The Renfrew Bridge is set to stay closed to road traffic for a number of months after Storm Boelo caused serious water damage to the electrical systems that operate it.
Renfrewshire Council says extensive damage in one of the bridge's two operating plant rooms means repairs will take time. The electronic systems that control the hydraulics on the Renfrew side of the crossing were significantly damaged when the river flooded at the weekend.
Bridge to stay open for shipping
The council is legally required to keep the Clyde open to river traffic, so while repairs are carried out the swing bridge will be left in its open position to let essential vessels pass. That means no cars, buses or other road traffic can cross between Renfrew and Yoker for now.
Temporary measures were being put in place today (Wednesday 28 October) so that scheduled river vessels can get through.
Record river levels
The exceptional tidal surge on Saturday night pushed the Clyde to 6.7 metres at Renfrew. That is the highest level since digital records began in 1998, and more than twice what had been forecast.
Gerard Hannah, the council's Head of Climate, Public Protection and Roads, 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 has also said the damage would not have been prevented by activating the North Renfrew flood management scheme, which was designed to protect a different area from where the operating plant room sits. Questions over why the flood barriers weren't raised have been raised by Ferry Road businesses since the storm.
About the bridge
The 184-metre Renfrew Bridge links Renfrew with Yoker and Clydebank on the north bank. It opened in 2025 as the first road crossing on the Clyde able to open to let large ships through, and has become a popular route for walkers, cyclists and drivers alike.
We'll share updates on the repairs and reopening as soon as we have them.