The official unveiling of the Renfrew Bridge will be open to all after an appeal from elected members was heard by Renfrewshire Council.
The first opening road bridge across the River Clyde, connecting the town’s Meadowside Street with Dock Street in Yoker, will be operational from Friday, May 9.
The local authority had initially planned to host a closed event the day before – on Thursday, May 8 – attended by politicians, civil engineers and partners involved in the project as well as invited community, business and education representatives.
However, it has since been confirmed it will be a public celebration instead, ensuring everyone can take part in what is considered a major milestone for the town.
Councillor John Shaw, an SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, said: “I am absolutely delighted that, after raising our concerns, the council has listened and responded positively.
“The opening of the new Renfrew Bridge is an important moment in the story of our town and it’s only right that the people who have waited so long for the completion of this project are able to be there to celebrate.
“I want to thank the chief executive and events team for engaging with us constructively and making sure the day is open to everyone who wishes to attend.”
It comes after councillor Shaw and his colleague, councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, also an SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, had written to the chief executive and urged the local authority to reconsider its original stance.
After a series of discussions with officers, it has been confirmed the opening ceremony, taking place in Meadowside Street from 2.30pm until 4.30pm next Thursday, will be open to anyone who wants to attend.
Councillor Hughes added: “The people of Renfrew have watched this bridge take shape and waited with real anticipation for its completion.
“It’s fantastic that the community will now be able to come together and mark this historic occasion properly.
“This is about celebrating the completion of this project and of the opportunities it will bring to the town and everyone should be part of it.”
The bridge, which represents a focal part of the £117 million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, provides a two-lane crossing for vehicles, pedestrians and active travellers, and can open for passing ships.
The project has created additional connecting roads and cycling and walking routes, including the extension of Argyll Avenue, which connects Inchinnan Road and Meadowside Street.
It is expected to improve access for people, businesses and suppliers to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland which is being developed next to Glasgow Airport.
A council spokesperson said: “The opening date has been set for the new Renfrew Bridge as we complete what will be a transformational project for Renfrewshire and the wider Glasgow City Region and is another example of the council’s ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects successfully.
“A public event will be held the day before the bridge opens to traffic to mark the project completion and local community representatives, local businesses, local schools, college and university, as well as key partners, funders and stakeholders involved in the project will be part of the celebration – recognising the importance of this project to the local area.
“The bridge will then open to road traffic and active travel on May 9 with residents able to walk, run, cycle or drive across the bridge as we open up access to work, health, job and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river.”
The project has been jointly funded by the Scottish and UK governments through the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal – a partnership of eight councils working to boost the economy in the area.
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