Behold the Squinty Bridge. Its arch stretches proudly over the River Clyde. The Clyde Arc stands before us. It is more than steel and concrete. It embodies Glasgow’s spirit of innovation and regeneration.
Known locally as the Squinty Bridge, the Clyde Arc got its official name on September 18, 2006. Before that, some called it the Finnieston Bridge. The Clyde Arc connects Finnieston near the SEC Armadillo to Pacific Quay and the Glasgow Science Centre in Govan. The Clyde Arc is the first city center traffic crossing built since the Kingston Bridge in 1970.
Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise, and the Scottish Government worked together on the Clyde Arc project. Halcrow Group designed the Clyde Arc. BAM Nuttall built it. Construction started in May 2005 and finished in April 2006. The Clyde Arc project cost about £20.3 million. It is designed to last 120 years.
The Clyde Arc’s main span stretches 96 meters. Its end spans reach 36.5 meters. This totals 169 meters. A steel arch defines the main span’s design. Supports stand in the river. Abutments sit behind existing quay walls. The central navigation height measures 5.4 meters at mean water height.
Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell opened the Clyde Arc on September 18, 2006. Pedestrians enjoyed early access during Glasgow’s annual “Doors Open” Weekend. The Clyde Arc links Finnieston Street to Govan Road. The bridge accommodates four traffic lanes. Two lanes serve public transport. The other two are for private and commercial vehicles. Pedestrian and cycle paths also feature on the Clyde Arc. The new bridge improves access to Pacific Quay. It also boosts regeneration on both Clyde banks. The Clyde Arc can support a light rapid transit system or even a tram system.
The Clyde Arc represents a key part of Glasgow’s regeneration plans. Other projects include the £40 million Tradeston Bridge. The canting basin and Govan Graving Docks will be developed, along with Tradeston and Laurieston. Dalmarnock hosted the athletes’ village for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Clyde Arc closed for repairs between January 14 and June 28, 2008. One support hanger failed. Engineers found cracks in a second one. On January 14, 2008, a connecting fork snapped on one of the bridge’s 14 hangers. These cables support the roadway’s weight. Police closed the bridge quickly. Glasgow City Council assured the public that the bridge’s integrity remained intact. The design allowed for single support removal for maintenance. Public safety remained the top priority.
A detailed inspection on January 24 revealed a stress fracture in another support cable. Engineers decided to replace all connectors. Nuttall installed temporary saddle frames atop the bridge’s arch in March. These frames supported the bridge’s weight during repairs.
The Clyde Arc reopened on June 28, 2008 with only two lanes available. All cast steel connectors were replaced with milled steel connectors. Glasgow City Council estimated 6,500 daily crossings after the reopening of the Clyde Arc.
The Clyde Arc stands as a testament to Glasgow’s architectural ambition. Its unique design improves transportation and symbolizes the city’s ongoing renewal. The Squinty Bridge, with its distinctive curve, has become an iconic part of the Glasgow skyline. It invites all to appreciate its beauty and engineering.