New Renfrew Bridge forced to close for months after storm damage

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 22:51 · Archive

The Renfrew Bridge across the River Clyde, which opened last year, has been shut for months after Storm Boelo damaged its electrical systems.

The Renfrew Bridge, which spans the River Clyde between Renfrew and Yoker and Clydebank, has been forced to close for months following Storm Boelo. The bridge suffered serious damage to its electrical systems when the storm brought high winds and heavy rain to Scotland over the weekend. During the storm, the Clyde's water level reached 6.7 metres at Renfrew.

The bridge is a swing bridge that relies on electronic systems to power hydraulics allowing it to open for river traffic. Renfrewshire Council has two operating rooms controlling the bridge, one on each side of the river. While the operating room on one side suffered minimal damage, the plant on the Renfrew side sustained significant electrical damage. Gerard Hannah, the council's head of climate, public protection and roads, said urgent work was underway to identify the issues and repair the bridge.

The council is legally obliged to keep the Clyde open to river traffic, meaning the bridge must remain closed until repairs are complete. The outlet reports that more than 3.5 million crossings were made on the route between June 2026 and April 2027. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will have to alter their journeys during the closure, which the council estimates will last 'for a number of months'.

How it is being reported

• New £50m bridge to close for 'number of months' after Storm Boelo batters UKLocal officials have apologised for any "inconvenience" caused by the bridge's closure, just months after it was unveiled in a major infrastructure scheme.Daily Express · 29 Oct, 22:27
• A £117million bridge which only opened last year breaks down amid floods during stormA new £117million bridge has been forced shut for months after Storm Boelo damaged its electrical systems.Daily Mail · 28 Oct, 18:57

In this story: Renfrew Bridge · River Clyde · Renfrewshire Council · Storm Boelo · Scotland · Renfrew · Yoker · Clydebank

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