The construction of Stockingfield Bridge, a spectacular cable-stayed pedestrian and cycle route over the Forth & Clyde Canal, sees the physical reconnection of three north Glasgow communities after more than 200 years of separation by the canal.

An aerial view of the Stockingfield Bridge, Glasgow. The cable-stayed pedestrian and cyclist footbridge connects three areas across a forked junction in the forth-clyde canal. The decks of the bridge are shown stretching across the canal, and landscaping around the tower and bridge entrances.

The bridge is part of an active travel network for the communities of Maryhill, Gilshochill and Ruchill, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross the canal without leaving the towpath, avoiding a narrow and potentially hazardous underpass.

It also provides an important ‘missing link’ in the National Cycle Network between Edinburgh and Glasgow, offering a traffic-free route alongside the waterway.

As part of the regeneration plans for north Glasgow, it is hoped that the eye-catching structure, featuring a 35-metre-tall supporting spire, will become something of a sculptural icon for the area, making it, and the regenerated parkland surrounding it, a destination for visitors.

Expertise

Quantity Surveying

Sectors

Culture and Public, Industry and Infrastructure

Historic importance

The historically important canal is a Scheduled Monument and the design team worked closely with Historic Environment Scotland on the scheme to ensure the outcome was both functional and respectful of the environment in which it was being built.

In addition, the bridge construction works had to take account of the fragile structure of the 200-year-old canal.

Aerial view of the Stockingfield canal junction, prior to construction of the new bridge beginning. Within shots is a garage yard and rows of houses behind the treelined canal tow path

Surveying the canal and its environs before works began.

Canal bridge under construction at the site of the Stockingfield Bridge, Glasgow. The early stages of the tower are in progress. Gangways are show across two points in the canal to allow access and boats to pass. Earthworks are underway.

A temporary causeway was constructed to minimise the overall footprint of the site, to allow workers easy access to both sides of the canal, and to allow canal boats to pass through the works during construction.

Major variations and additional funding

Planning consent was granted quite late in the process, after construction had begun. Major changes were introduced to the project scope, increasing both the length of the programme and the associated costs. The timing of construction also presented challenges, as it coincided with material and labour shortages due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and the advent of Brexit.

A view from the canal tow path towards the construction site of the Stockingfield Bridge, Glasgow. The tower is in its early stages.

Diggers at work behind a temporary steel retaining wall at the forth and clyde canal, Glasgow. Construction site for the Stockingfield Bridge. A construction worker walks past wearing orange hi-vis clothing.

As a result of these significant changes, rigorous cost control, strict risk management and accurate quantification of the works became crucial. As quantity surveyor, we produced detailed estimates on the effects of the changes and agreed these with the main contractor.

We also prepared and presented detailed reports on the reasons for the additional expenditure, to assist the client in obtaining additional funding.

The construction of the Stockingfield Bridge across a junction of the Forth and Clyde Canal nears completion. Decks of the bridge are in place with cable stays from the tower.

Value engineering and risk management

The forecast final account was greater than the available funding and we became involved in a value engineering process to bring the costs back within budget.

Modifications were made to meet the financial constraints and every work package was then re-tendered. We checked all bills of quantities prepared by the main contractor as well as the tender returns, all of which were affected by the market conditions.

Thomson Gray were integral in ensuring the contract was successfully delivered to a tight budget whilst maintaining a professional and collaborative approach.

Alasdair Hamilton
Technical Manager, Scottish Canals

We managed the risk throughout the project to keep the costs within budget. Due to labour and material shortages, further changes to finishes and specifications became necessary.

We were fully involved in managing the change process, helping to achieve a balance for the finished product that both satisfied the client’s requirements and adhered to the budget.

A view of one of the entrances to the Stockingfield Bridge. A wide path suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and those with accessibility needs has a non slip surface and white railings.

A close up of the cable stays after construction of the Stockingfield Bridge, Glasgow. Cables are show descending from the tower towards the decks of the bridge.

Public art at Stockingfield Bridge. A 1960s Rover is shown half-buried ready to be planted as part of the public park at Stockingfield Bridge

One of eight public art pieces on site, this 1960s Rover will be used as a giant planter – a piece of industrial heritage taken over by nature. Made by artist David Galbraith in collaboration with local community groups.

Official opening

The completed bridge was officially opened in December 2022. To celebrate, a procession of people, led by Glasgow-based art group Carnival Arts, arrived by bike, boat and on foot from all areas surrounding the bridge. The spire was lit up and lanterns were carried by participants, adding to the spectacle.

The bridge won the 2022 Institution of Civil Engineers’ People’s Choice Award, which recognises civil engineering projects that have made a positive impact on local communities, and was also awarded project of the year (under £20m) by Construction News in 2023.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Thomson Gray to others and would be happy to offer them the opportunity to bid for future projects.

ALASDAIR HAMILTON
TECHNICAL MANAGER, SCOTTISH CANALS

An aerial view of Stockingfield Bridge showing the canal running along side the paths and tower. Paths zig-zag up the slopes of the adjoining park to make the steep slope accessible. On the opposite bank are warehouses and light industrial buildings.

Credits

Contractor Balfour Beatty
Civils Engineer Fairhurst
Structural Engineer Jacobs
Steel Manufacturer SH Structures
Quantity Surveyor Thomson Gray
Images and video reGlasgow