THE first operational closing of the new Renfrew Bridge across the River Clyde has taken place, bringing it a step closer to opening to the public.

The testing of the first opening road bridge across the river marks a significant milestone on the project as construction firm Graham continue commissioning works ahead of the official opening later this year.

The bridge will connect Renfrew and Clydebank and Yoker directly for the first time and will open up work, health, education, and leisure opportunities, stimulating investment and development in the riverside area.

Jim Armour, project director said: “This is a great milestone which demonstrates that all the hard work from the full team over the last two to three years has been a success.

“It was great to see the bridge closing for the first time in such a smooth, controlled, and seamless operation.

“The next stage of the project is to conduct commissioning which includes reliability and operational testing, with a number of opening and closing procedures to ensure the whole structure is working safely and efficiently. We are all looking forward to the official opening.”

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “It’s fantastic to see this project continue to progress and move through significant milestones as we continue to show that we can deliver significant infrastructure projects successfully.

“It’s part of an ongoing programme of transformational capital investment in Renfrewshire and the Glasgow City Region which will benefit people now but also generations to come, and I’m looking forward to seeing this new transport link completed later this year.”