'Milestone' bridge improving transport links lifted into position

A new milestone railway bridge in West Dunbartonshire was successfully moved into position on Boxing Day as part of a major infrastructure project led by Network Rail.

Construction work at the Bowling Strategic Development Site began in the summer, with more than 80,000 tonnes of material excavated to create space for the structure. Engineers then built the bridge on site, using 1,860 tonnes of concrete.

Train services through the area were suspended from Christmas Eve to allow a nine-day engineering programme to take place.

The bridge was moved into its final position on Boxing Day.

Work will now focus on reinstatement, including reconnecting railway track and signalling systems, ahead of the planned reopening of the line on Friday, January 2, 2026.

The line is set to reopen on January 2. Network Rail via Supplied

The £5.9m bridge forms part of the Glasgow City Region Deal and is intended to improve transport links and support future development at the Bowling site.

The project is being delivered in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council.

Laura Craig, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said the bridge move marked a significant milestone in the project.

“This has been the culmination of months of planning and construction, and the successful move of the bridge into place is a major achievement,” she said.

Councillor David McBride, West Dunbartonshire Council’s Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said the progress was a key step for the development site.

Train services between Dalmuir and Balloch or Helensburgh Central, and between Glasgow Queen Street and Crianlarich, will resume at the start of service on January 2, 2026.

Passengers are advised to check with their train operator or visit nationalrail.co.uk for travel updates.