THE price tag for the new pedestrian bridge linking Govan and Partick has risen to nearly £30million. Construction is due to start early next year.

Glasgow councillors are being asked by officials to approve award of the work to Farrans Construction.

The bridge will span the Clyde from Water Row in Govan to to an extended quay wall at Pointhouse Quay next to the Riverside Museum.

Work is expected to start on the City Deal-funded crossing in January with completion scheduled for November 2023.

Click for more about the bridge

A report by officials states: “The award value is an increase of £12,001,075 when compared to the original estimated budget value of £17,500,000.

“An extensive review of the recommended contractor’s commercial submission has been undertaken by the CPU (Corporate Procurement Unit) and the client department.

“This exercise identified a number of factors which have contributed to the variance between the award value and the original estimated budget.”

The key factors were:

• The estimated original budget was based on an early version of the scope and did not reflect the final scope of works which was tendered.

• Price volatility in the construction market, specifically relating to the price of steel and construction materials.

• Ongoing impacts of Covid and Brexit.

The report states that the additional funding has been secured from the Waterfront budget within the overall City Deal Programme.

As well as construction the on the £29.5million deal with Farrans would cover a period of bridge operation and maintenance.