Renfrew Bridge is to close to the public from 8pm tonight, Wednesday 28th October, after Storm Boelo caused extensive water damage to its electrical systems.
The bridge will remain closed to road traffic for a number of months while repairs are carried out.
Renfrewshire Council said the electronic systems controlling the hydraulics in the operating plant room on the Renfrew side were significantly damaged during the storm.
Urgent work is underway to assess the full circumstances behind the damage and restore the bridge’s full function.
The council is legally required to keep the Clyde open to river traffic. Temporary arrangements are being put in place to open the swing bridge and keep it open so vessels can pass.
However, the council said these arrangements are not suitable for maintaining normal bridge operations.
Renfrewshire Council’s Head of Climate, Public Protection and Roads, Gerard Hannah, said: “We’re very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause all those who use the bridge.
“We have two operating rooms, one on each side of the river, which manage the opening and closing of the bridge. While one side suffered minimal impact from the high-water levels, the plant on the Renfrew side suffered significant damage to the electrical systems required to operate the bridge.
“Urgent work is underway to identify the issues behind the damage and get the bridge back into action as soon as possible. We’ll keep the public updated with further details as the work progresses.”
The council said the tidal surge on Saturday night saw the Clyde water level reach 6.7 metres at Renfrew. This was the highest since digital records began in 1998 and more than twice the level forecast.
It said the damage would not have been prevented by activating the North Renfrew flood management scheme. The scheme was designed to protect a different area from where the operating plant room is located.
The 184-metre (604ft) bridge links Renfrew with Yoker and Clydebank on the north bank. It was constructed by GRAHAM as part of a project to improve connections and regenerate waterfront areas.
It is the first road crossing on the river capable of opening to allow large ships to pass.
Updates on the repairs will be posted on the Renfrew Bridge WhatsApp Channel.
To follow the channel, visit the council’s website, search for “The Renfrew Bridge” and select “Check when Renfrew Bridge is closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists”. The page includes a link to the channel.