A historic footbridge over the railway in Glasgow's southside that is being replaced as part of the Glasgow to Barrhead electrification project has found a new home at the Caledonian Railway's unique Brechin station.
The bridge was made in 1877 by Paisley ironworks Hanna, Donald and Wilson and formerly connected Darnley Road and Moray Place in Strathbungo. The footbridge was unsuitable for when the line is electrified and needed to be replaced. In July 2021 the local community took part in a vote for a new design from three options. Work is now underway to install the new footbridge, and its replacement is expected to be in place by July 2023.
Over several months, a number of options were looked at by key stakeholders and Network Rail to try to keep the footbridge, and the railway columns that once supported Susie's Store on Nithsdale Road that were also demolished as part of the project, in Glasgow.
A suitable location in Glasgow could not be found for the bridge, so it was released for tender and contact was made with the Caledonian Railway, which is a volunteer-run charity that restores, maintains, and operates a heritage railway in Angus.
The railway intends to use the columns to develop ramp access to Brechin station, whilst the footbridge will be re-erected as part of restoration and improvement work at the station.
Further information about the Caledonian Railway is available on their website at www.caledonianrailway.com
Michelle McCaig, Network Railway project manager for the bridge work, said: “We are so pleased to have been able to find a new home for the footbridge and railway columns. Ideally, we wanted to try to keep the bridge in Glasgow, as we know the significant role it has played in the community over the years, but unfortunately, a viable solution couldn't be found.
“However, as the former footbridge was built as part of the Caledonian Railway and the charity is the only preserved and remaining part of this network, it seems fitting the bridge will once again be part of this.
“I want to thank all involved over many months in our collective efforts to find a permanent solution for the footbridge and columns. By being part of Brechin station, this provides a great opportunity for the footbridge to continue to be used and appreciated.”
Jon Gill, Chairman of Caledonian Railway Brechin Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to be able to incorporate these fantastic parts of our railway heritage into our live preserved railway, this will ensure that visitors will be able to continue to enjoy their use for years to come.
“I would really like to take this opportunity to thank Network Rail and all their partners for their support in making this happen.”
