Cuningar Loop pedestrian footbridge
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Summary
A structure across the River Clyde
Part of the Glasgow 2014 legacy, this project links our works to develop the new Cuningar Loop Woodland Park to the residential development on the site of Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village by way of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Clyde.
Access to Cuningar Loop woodland
The works involve the construction of a 99m span, 3m wide steel footbridge. The bridge deck comprises a pair of braced steel plate girders which carry a timber deck and span the River Clyde linking the former Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village to the new Cuningar Loop Woodland Park.
The bridge links to a network of existing paths and creates access to an attractive community green space with trails, picnic areas and play areas. Glasgow City Council's aim is to increase active lifestyles and participation in sport in an area where life expectancy is seven years below the UK average.
Providing integrated project benefits
We also worked on the Cuningar Loop Woodland Park, and by integrating the two projects into the same overarching programme we managed and mitigated the construction impact for both clients - Forestry Commission and Glasgow City Council.
Piers and abutments were constructed on both sides of the river to support the bridge structure and access embankments were constructed to link the bridge in to the park.
To allow the construction of the piers and bank seats, we:
- grouted existing mine workings beneath the southern abutment
- carried out temporary and permanent piling operations,
- carried out in-situ concrete construction adjacent to the River Clyde.
- extensive temporary works to protect an existing 1,200mm diameter trunk sewer running through the working area
Rather than award the bridge contract on a supply and erect basis, we contracted a fabricator to supply a bridge structure and we managed the site erection and installation ourselves. This allowed us to exert greater control over the construction process and to manage the risk ourselves.
The bridge was brought to site in five sections and then part assembled to three larger sections to commence the installation. The bridge was lifted into place via a 750-tonne Lattice Boom mobile crane. It took three days for the bridge to be lifted into position.
There were several key stakeholders that we engaged with to support the construction of the bridge. Scottish Water and Scottish Power have significant services that ran through the pier and abutment on the North side of the river. We have had to liaise closely with both parties to discuss and agree our construction methodology.
Similarly, SEPA had a close interest in our works due to the proximity to the river and the Commonwealth Games Legacy Committee control the right of access through the games village at present so they control access to one half of the site. In all cases, communication was maintained via our Project Manager who ensured all issues were identified and suitable mitigation measures put in place to manage the stakeholders' concerns.
