{{Short description|Bridge over the River Clyde, Scotland}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox bridge | name = Erskine Bridge | native_name = | image = Erskine-bridge-south.jpg | alt = | caption = View of the Erskine Bridge from the south bank of the River Clyde | coordinates = {{Coord|55.9133|-4.4721|region:GB_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | os_grid_reference = | carries = {{UK road|A898}} | crosses = River Clyde | locale = Renfrewshire | other_name = | named_for = | owner = | maint = Transport Scotland | website = | preceded = | followed = | design = Box girder | material = Steel, concrete | length = {{Convert|1321.87|m|abbr=on}} | width = {{Convert|31.25|m|abbr=on}} | height = {{Convert|45|m|abbr=on}} | mainspan = {{Convert|305|m|abbr=on}} | number_spans = 15 | designer = {{Hlist|William Brown|R.E. Slater|Fairfields-Mabey|Freeman Fox & Partners|W.A.Fairhurst and Partners|Christiani & Nielsen|Lehane, Mackenzie and Shand Ltd}} | built = | begin = 1967 | complete = | cost = £10.5 million | opened = | inaugurated = 2 July 1971 | rebuilt = | collapsed = | destroyed = | closed = | demolished = | replaces = Erskine Ferry | replaced_by = | extra = {{Infobox designation list | embed = yes | designation1 = Category A Listed Building | designation1_offname = Erskine Bridge | designation1_date = 21 November 2018 | designation1_number = {{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB52482|short=yes}} }} }}
The '''Erskine Bridge''' is a multi span cable-stayed box girder bridge spanning the River Clyde in west central Scotland.<ref name="erskinebridge1">{{cite web |url=http://www.erskinebridge.co.uk/construction/ |title=Construction of the Erskine Bridge |publisher=Erskinebridge.co.uk |access-date=31 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213213720/http://www.erskinebridge.co.uk/construction/ |archive-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The bridge connects West Dunbartonshire with Renfrewshire and can be used by all types of motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. As well as crossing the Clyde, the bridge also crosses the Forth and Clyde Canal and the North Clyde railway line. A small part of Kilpatrick railway station is situated underneath the bridge at the north side. The bridge is part of the '''A898''' road.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2013/167/pdfs/ssi_20130167_en.pdf |title=The M898/A898 Trunk Road (Erskine Bridge) (Temporary Prohibition of Traffic and 40mph Speed Restriction) Order 2013 |date=22 May 2013 |website=legislation.gov.uk |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-date=17 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030329/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2013/167/pdfs/ssi_20130167_en.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> On completion the bridge replaced the Erskine to Old Kilpatrick ferry service.<ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|cat=PLA |num=222560 |num2=NS47SE 205 |desc=Erskine, Erskine Ferry |access-date=19 June 2025}}</ref>
==Construction== thumb|left|upright|View of the underside of the bridge The bridge was designed by William Brown (1928–2005), a structural engineer and bridge designer who specialised in suspension bridges. He was one of the principal designers at Freeman Fox & Partners (now Hyder Consulting) from 1956-85. Supervising engineer on the project was Oleg Kerensky and the architect on site was R.E. Slater. There were several firms who constructed the bridge between 1967-71. The structural engineering was done by Freeman Fox & Partners and the steel fabrication was completed by Fairfields-Mabey. W.A. Fairhurst and Partners (now Fairhurst) designed and oversaw construction of the concrete piers and foundations. Christiani & Nielsen, Lehane, Mackenzie and Shand Ltd were the contractors for the foundations and piers. The steel cable supplier was Bridon International. Force Technology were responsible for wind tunnel testing of the bridge.
Steel was used to construct the deck and pylons and the piers are made from concrete. The road surface is mastic asphalt and consists of a two-lane dual carriageway and cycle/footpaths on each side. It has a {{convert|305|m|abbr=on}} main span and two {{convert|110|m|abbr=on}} approach spans. The width of the road deck is {{convert|31.25|m|abbr=on}}. Pylon height is {{convert|38|m|abbr=on}} high. The total length of the bridge including approaches is {{convert|1321.87|m|abbr=on}}. The clearance of the bridge is {{convert|45|m|abbr=on}}. The weight of the steel is 11,700 tonnes. {{convert|1250|mi|km}} of galvanised wire with a breaking load of 500 tonnes were used during construction.<ref name="erskinebridge2">{{cite web |url=http://www.erskinebridge.co.uk/construction/ |title=Construction of the Erskine Bridge |publisher=Erskinebridge.co.uk |access-date=9 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213213720/http://www.erskinebridge.co.uk/construction/ |archive-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="engineering-timelines1">{{cite web |url=http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=69 |title=Erskine Bridge |publisher=Engineering Timelines |access-date=9 January 2014 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622164704/http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=69 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |editor=Nicolas Janberg |url=http://structurae.net/structures/data/index.cfm?ID=s0000587 |title=Erskine Bridge (Old Kilpatrick/Erskine, 1971) |publisher=Structurae |access-date=9 January 2014 |archive-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104205635/http://structurae.net/structures/data/index.cfm?ID=s0000587 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="rcahms1">{{Historic Environment Scotland|cat=PLA |num=68383 |num2=NS47SE 70 |desc=Erskine, Erskine Bridge |access-date=19 June 2025}}</ref> The bridge has 15 spans in total and rests on 14 diamond shaped piers which have been designed to allow air to circulate freely around them. The deck and piers have been designed to flex with temperature changes. In the event of the bridge traffic numbers increasing the cycle tracks can be configured to include a third lane. There are 4 water mains pipes and 2 gas pipes running the full length of the underside of the bridge.<ref name="autogenerated1971">{{cite web |url=http://vads.ahds.ac.uk/diad/article.php?year=1971&title=271&article=d.271.27 |title=Design 1971 Journal - VADS: the online resource for visual arts |publisher=Vads.ahds.ac.uk |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606232124/http://vads.ahds.ac.uk/diad/article.php?year=1971&title=271&article=d.271.27 |archive-date=6 June 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.steelconstruction.org/|title=SteelConstruction.org – All the information you need about steel construction|access-date=12 August 2020|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812060733/https://www.steelconstruction.org/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://movingimage.nls.uk/film/2254|title=ERSKINE BRIDGE|publisher=National Library of Scotland|access-date=31 December 2013|archive-date=4 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204174156/http://movingimage.nls.uk/film/2254|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the only bridge in Scotland with single cables over central main supports and was in this respect a precursor of the Millau Viaduct in France. At the time of building it was the longest bridge of its type in the world.<ref name="engineering-timelines1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/webcontent/home/services/leisure+and+culture/heritage+and+local+history/els-erskine%28ourhistoryandheritage%29 |title=Erskine - Renfrewshire Council |publisher=Renfrewshire.gov.uk |access-date=20 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225100943/http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/webcontent/home/services/leisure+and+culture/heritage+and+local+history/els-erskine%28ourhistoryandheritage%29 |archive-date=25 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The bridge cost, including approaches, was £10.5million({{Inflation|UK|10500000|1967|r=-4|fmt=eq|cursign=£}}).{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}.<ref name="rcahms1"/>
Princess Anne opened the bridge on 2 July 1971.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishpathe.com/video/princess-opens-erskine-bridge |title=Princess Opens Erskine Bridge - British Pathé |publisher=Britishpathe.com |access-date=31 December 2013 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727210842/https://www.britishpathe.com/video/princess-opens-erskine-bridge |url-status=live }}</ref> The ceremonial plaque of the opening can be seen on the railings of the western footpath, at the centre of the main span.
Whilst the bridge was being constructed, the West Gate Bridge in Australia also designed by Freeman Fox & Partners, collapsed. An investigation published on 14 July 1971 found faults in the design. The reason for collapse was a difference in camber between 2 girders on the west span. The Erskine Bridge had already opened but needed further stiffening to meet new standards established due to the collapse of the West Gate Bridge.<ref name="erskinebridge1"/>
The bridge operates an overload weight detection system which logs vehicles axle weights. The weigh in motion system uses electric sensors and an ANPR camera. There is also a camera that takes photos of the vehicle from side-on which can identify the haulage company at fault. The system can also check if HGV axles are lifted when they should not be and is operational 24 hours a day. Reports can be printed for overweight vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |author=TDC Systems Limited |url=http://www.tdcsystems.co.uk/case-studies/article/erskine-bridge-overload-detection-system |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131211120120/http://www.tdcsystems.co.uk/case-studies/article/erskine-bridge-overload-detection-system |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 December 2013 |title=Erskine Bridge Overload Detection System |publisher=Tdcsystems.co.uk |date=2 July 1971 |access-date=31 December 2013 }}</ref>
==Geography== thumb|right|Map of the Erskine Bridge area The bridge itself is the A898 road and its short approach from the south is the M898 motorway which is a spur from the M8 motorway. The bridge connects Erskine in Renfrewshire on the south side to the A82 (Great Western Road) at Old Kilpatrick in West Dunbartonshire on the northern side. The bridge is set at a high level to allow the passage of shipping beneath.<ref name="rcahms1"/> This offers views of Erskine, Mar Hall, Erskine Hospital, Erskine Bridge Hotel, Dumbarton, River Clyde, Glasgow Airport and the Kilpatrick Hills. The area around the bridge has some historical significance as there have been various pieces of Roman artifacts found. Historical items found at the site include Roman coins known as sestertius and a crannog which is an artificial island.<ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|cat=PLA |num=43308 |num2=NS47SE 51 |desc=Erskine Bridge |access-date=19 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|cat=PLA |num=43313 |num2=NS47SE 56 |desc=Erskine Bridge |access-date=19 June 2025}}</ref> The bridge is the most downstream of all the Clyde bridges and is the last point at which the estuary can be crossed by road. Its main function is to divert traffic away from Glasgow and the urban stretches of the A82 which run through the city's West End and outer suburbs. The location of the bridge means that the bridge is used by tourist traffic from Glasgow International Airport bound for Loch Lomond and the north west Highlands.<ref name="erskinebridge2"/>
==Toll bridge== {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = Erskine Bridge Tolls Act 1968 | type = Act | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | long_title = An Act to empower the Secretary of State to levy tolls in respect of the use of a new road which crosses the River Clyde at Erskine and of certain roads provided in connection therewith; to enable the Secretary of State to provide parking places in connection with those roads and, in relation to those roads, to impose prohibitions, restrictions and other requirements for the purpose of preventing obstruction and for the protection of property and otherwise; and for connected purposes. | year = 1968 | citation = 1968 c. 4 | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | royal_assent = 15 February 1968 | commencement = | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = {{ubli|Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Act 2008}} | related_legislation = {{ubli|Erskine Bridge Tolls Act 2001}} | status = | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/4/pdfs/ukpga_19680004_en.pdf | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} {{Infobox UK legislation | short_title = {{visible anchor|Erskine Bridge Tolls Order 1992}} | type = Statutory Instrument | parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom | year = 1992 | citation = SI 1992/433 | introduced_commons = | introduced_lords = | territorial_extent = | si_made_date = 2 March 1992 | si_laid_date = 11 March 1992 | commencement = 1 April 1992 | expiry_date = | repeal_date = | amends = | replaces = {{ubli|Erskine Bridge Tolls Order 1989}} | primary_legislation = {{ubli|Erskine Bridge Tolls Act 1968}} | eu_directives = | amendments = | repealing_legislation = {{ubli|Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Act 2008}} | related_legislation = | status = revoked | legislation_history = | theyworkforyou = | millbankhansard = | original_text = https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/433/made | revised_text = | use_new_UK-LEG = | UK-LEG_title = | collapsed = yes }} thumb|left|View of the toll booths at the bridge
The bridge was a toll bridge until 31 March 2006. Apcoa Parking UK Ltd collected tolls on the bridge from June 1992. The tolling booths were situated at the south side of the bridge and were constructed by Culford Art Metal.<ref name="autogenerated1971"/> On 1 March 2006 the Transport Minister published a Tolls Suspension Order following an announcement that the tolling was to cease after 31 March 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/new-era-for-erskine-bridge |title=New era for Erskine Bridge |publisher=Transport Scotland |date=3 April 2006 |access-date=9 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213025554/http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/new-era-for-erskine-bridge |archive-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The bridge had briefly been free of charge before - in 2001 an oversight caused the legislative order enforcing the toll to lapse and drivers crossed free until the new legislation was enforced.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/scotland/1517925.stm |title=SCOTLAND | Tolls suspended on Scottish bridge |publisher=BBC News |date=31 August 2001 |access-date=31 December 2013 |archive-date=4 November 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031104133031/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/scotland/1517925.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> At this point the contract for toll collection was put out to tender and was re-awarded to Apcoa from 1 April 2002.<ref name="scotland2006"/> The contract for toll collection expired on 31 March 2006. Toll charges from the beginning of the 1992-93 accounting period tolls had been a flat rate of 60p on all vehicles, except motorcycles and exempt categories. A discount of 10% was available to those purchasing 50 pre-paid crossing vouchers. Fire and police vehicles, ambulances, maintenance vehicles, and vehicles displaying disabled badges were exempt.<ref name="scotland2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/11/24134032/1 |title=Erskine Bridge Tolls Act 1968: Erskine Bridge Accounts 2005-06 |publisher=Scotland.gov.uk |date=30 November 2006 |access-date=4 January 2014 |archive-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104205310/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/11/24134032/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge was one of only three toll bridges left in Scotland when the tolls were abolished.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/new-era-for-erskine-bridge |title=New era for Erskine Bridge |publisher=Transport Scotland |date=3 April 2006 |access-date=31 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213025554/http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/new-era-for-erskine-bridge |archive-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The others were the Forth Road Bridge and the Tay Road Bridge. The tolls were abolished on those bridges on 11 February 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7235131.stm |title=UK | Scotland | Tolls removed from Scots bridges |publisher=BBC News |date=11 February 2008 |access-date=1 January 2014 |archive-date=14 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214180819/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7235131.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge had collected £72 million in tolls by 2001 and collected £5.676m in the last operating year.<ref name="scotland1">{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/57346/0016560.pdf |title=Achieve environmental and economic objectives of reducing pollution and congestion |format=PDF |access-date=4 February 2014 |archive-date=7 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207083932/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/57346/0016560.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/11/24134032/1 |title=Erskine Bridge Tolls Act 1968: Erskine Bridge Accounts 2005-06 |publisher=Scotland.gov.uk |date=30 November 2006 |access-date=9 January 2014 |archive-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104205310/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/11/24134032/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Its current traffic levels are estimated at 35,000 vehicles per day and because of this the bridge was considered something of a white elephant given its elaborate design yet relatively low traffic levels compared to the congested Kingston Bridge further upstream.<ref name="scotland1"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Ken |last=Smith |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/soaring-cost-of-a-white-elephant-1.442691 |title=Soaring cost of a white elephant |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=5 August 1996 |access-date=10 June 2014 |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404045248/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12115499.soaring-cost-of-a-white-elephant/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the last accounting period between 1 April 2006 - 2 July 2006 whilst the tolls were free the bridge saw an increase in traffic on the previous year by 27.33%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/03142502/1 |title=Erskine Bridge Tolls Act 1968: Transport Scotland: Erskine Bridge Accounts 2006-07 |publisher=Scotland.gov.uk |date=3 January 2008 |access-date=9 January 2014 |archive-date=6 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040159/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/03142502/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge is now part of the trunk road network of Scotland and is the responsibility of Transport Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/prioritising-and-maintaining/prioritising-bridge-maintenance |title=Prioritising bridge maintenance |publisher=Transport Scotland |access-date=1 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192626/http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/prioritising-and-maintaining/prioritising-bridge-maintenance |archive-date=2 January 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Events== [[File:PS Waverley (8704325375).jpg|thumb|right|The Waverley paddle steamer sailing under the bridge]] There have been two known births on the bridge. The first was a boy who was born 19 September 1990; he was subsequently named Oliver Erskine Edwards in homage to the bridge. A second baby, Kiera Sarah-Marie McFettridge was born in an ambulance on the bridge on 18 January 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.erskinebridge.co.uk/facts/ |title=Interesting facts about the Erskine Bridge |publisher=Erskinebridge.co.uk |access-date=31 December 2013 |archive-date=13 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213211952/http://www.erskinebridge.co.uk/facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge has also been the subject of a murder investigation and ensuing court case after parts of a man's dismembered body were found underneath the bridge in late 2001. A man was subsequently arrested and convicted for this crime.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2929215.stm |title=UK | Scotland | Man convicted of double murder |publisher=BBC News |date=8 April 2003 |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-date=9 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309205518/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2929215.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
An oil rig called the Texaco Captain collided with the road deck on 4 August 1996 resulting in the closure of the bridge. The oil rig was constructed upstream at Clydebank before being towed down the River Clyde.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/erskine-bridge-is-closed-after-oil-rig-collision-towing-accident-ends-in-severe-damage-1.442658 |title=Erskine Bridge is closed after oil-rig collision Towing accident ends in severe damage |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=5 August 1996 |access-date=31 December 2013 |archive-date=12 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212050443/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/erskine-bridge-is-closed-after-oil-rig-collision-towing-accident-ends-in-severe-damage-1.442658 |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge reopened to pedestrians and cyclists on 22 August 1996. This was followed by cars and motorcycles on 30 August 1996 and was opened again to all vehicles including heavy goods vehicles on 22 December 1996. Repairs to the bridge cost £3.6 million with a further £700,000 in lost revenue from tolls.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/1998/02/aa5f1a2b-6755-4543-a601-7b9d8c391f92 |title=Erskine Bridge Collision - Scottish Office Pursues Recovery of Costs |publisher=Scotland.gov.uk |date=2 February 1998 |access-date=1 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102194130/http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/1998/02/aa5f1a2b-6755-4543-a601-7b9d8c391f92 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The bridge has been used once by a group of base jumpers in August 2010. A Royal Navy Westland Sea King helicopter from HMS ''Gannet'', coastguard teams and officers from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service were all called out to the bridge following the incident.<ref>{{cite web |author=Graham Fraser |url=http://news.stv.tv/west-central/191236-adrenaline-junkies-jump-off-erskine-bridge/ |title=Adrenaline junkies jump off Erskine Bridge | Glasgow & West | News | STV |publisher=News |date=11 August 2010 |access-date=31 December 2013 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050756/http://news.stv.tv/west-central/191236-adrenaline-junkies-jump-off-erskine-bridge/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The bridge was designated a Category A listed structure in 2018 by Historic Environment Scotland, due to being "a state-of-the-art infrastructure landmark in Scotland for its time... recognised for its structural simplicity, economy of materials and slender appearance".<ref>[https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/the-erskine-bridge-joins-the-a-list/ The Erskine Bridge joins the A-list], Historic Environment Scotland, 29 November 2018</ref>
==Suicides== {{multiple image | align = right | image1 = Erskine Bridge, looking Northeast - geograph.org.uk - 444781.jpg | width1 = 200 | alt1 = | caption1 = | image2 = Suicide barriers @ Erskine Bridge.jpeg | width2 = 200 | alt2 = | caption2 = | footer = (''Left'') Barriers prior to upgrading (''Right'') Barriers after upgrading }} The bridge is one of Scotland's most notorious suicide spots: estimates suggest that more than fifteen people commit suicide there each year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+toll+of+tragedy+at+Gartnavel.-a066438871 |title=The toll of tragedy at Gartnavel. - Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |access-date=6 February 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135510/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+toll+of+tragedy+at+Gartnavel.-a066438871 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Ross |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/family-of-mother-who-took-her-own-life-to-sue-health-board.23004529 |title=Family of mother who took her own life to sue health board |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=21 December 2013 |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-date=10 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110214827/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/family-of-mother-who-took-her-own-life-to-sue-health-board.23004529 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clydebankpost.co.uk/news/roundup/articles/2013/08/08/467051-man-scales-erskine-bridge/?mode=print |title=Man scales Erskine Bridge | News |publisher=Clydebank Post |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923204904/http://www.clydebankpost.co.uk/news/roundup/articles/2013/08/08/467051-man-scales-erskine-bridge/?mode=print |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Watt |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/man-leaps-to-death-from-erskine-bridge-1.926727 |title=Man leaps to death from Erskine Bridge |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=17 October 2009 |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104005034/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/man-leaps-to-death-from-erskine-bridge-1.926727 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Suicide+son's+mum+will+sue.-a060757354 |title=Suicide son's mum will sue. - Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |access-date=4 January 2014 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305053145/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Suicide+son%27s+mum+will+sue.-a060757354 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/depressed-student-in-bridge-suicide-plunge-1.248482 |title=Depressed student in bridge suicide plunge |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=19 February 2000 |access-date=4 January 2014 |archive-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104005057/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/depressed-student-in-bridge-suicide-plunge-1.248482 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manxradio.com/newsread.aspx?id=40904 |title=The Isle of Man's Premier Radio Station |publisher=Manx Radio |date=30 November 2009 |access-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104211009/http://www.manxradio.com/newsread.aspx?id=40904 |archive-date=4 January 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This has led to the Samaritans charity placing signs at each path leading onto the bridge and also within four public telephone boxes that are situated on the twin footpaths running adjacent to the roadway on either side of the river. There are also normal SOS phones as seen on motorways nationwide. The bridge was brought into the media spotlight again after the death of two teenage girls who absconded from a nearby secure unit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/teenage-girls-held-hands-as-they-leapt-from-erskine-bridge-in-apparent-suicide-pact-1-471365 |title=Teenage girls held hands as they leapt from Erskine Bridge in apparent suicide pact |publisher=The Scotsman |date=5 October 2009 |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102195548/http://www.scotsman.com/news/teenage-girls-held-hands-as-they-leapt-from-erskine-bridge-in-apparent-suicide-pact-1-471365 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17906915 |title=BBC News - Inquiry blames Good Shepherd centre over Erskine Bridge deaths |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=1 May 2012 |access-date=3 January 2014 |work=BBC News |archive-date=3 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503202459/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17906915 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotland-judiciary.org.uk/10/895/Fatal-Accident-Inquiry |title=Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths on Erskine Bridge - Judgments & Sentences - Judiciary of Scotland |publisher=Scotland-judiciary.org.uk |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103062046/http://www.scotland-judiciary.org.uk/10/895/Fatal-Accident-Inquiry |url-status=dead }}</ref> In September 2011, work started to install suicide barriers along the length of the bridge to prevent future suicide attempts. Installation of the new barriers was completed by Amey Highways at a cost of £3.5 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clydebanklive.co.uk/higher-barriers-on-erskine-bridge/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131211113101/http://www.clydebanklive.co.uk/higher-barriers-on-erskine-bridge/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 December 2013 |title=Higher barriers on Erskine Bridge |publisher=Clydebank Live |date=3 August 2012 |access-date=31 December 2013 }}</ref> The vehicle barriers are also being upgraded. The new barriers being installed are H4a High Containment Vehicle Barriers. These works will also see the towers and the suspension cables being re-painted. Stage one of this upgrade started on 15 July 2013 and is scheduled to last for 12 months. Highway Barrier Solutions are undertaking the upgrade which will cost £6 million and whilst ongoing the traffic is being monitored by Bluetooth technology. There are detectors on the bridge entry points which feed live traffic reports to the Traffic Scotland website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/projects/bridge-projects/A898-100-Erskine-Bridge-Structural-Refurbishment |title=A898 Erskine Bridge Vehicle Barrier Replacement |publisher=Transport Scotland |date=13 September 2013 |access-date=1 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192147/http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/projects/bridge-projects/A898-100-Erskine-Bridge-Structural-Refurbishment |archive-date=2 January 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[File:Erskine bridge pan1.JPG|thumb|left|A panoramic view up river to Glasgow from the bridge]]{{Clear}}
==See also== *List of places in West Dunbartonshire *List of places in Renfrewshire *List of longest cable-stayed bridge spans *Transport in Scotland *West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia
==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== *{{Commons category-inline}} *[http://www.scottishroadsarchive.org/erskine-bridge Scottish Roads Archive - The Erskine Bridge]
{{River Clyde}}
Category:Bridges in Renfrewshire Category:Bridges in West Dunbartonshire Category:Bridges across the River Clyde Category:Pedestrian bridges in Scotland Category:Road bridges in Scotland Category:Bridges completed in 1971 Category:Transport in West Dunbartonshire Category:Transport in Renfrewshire Category:Cable-stayed bridges in Scotland Category:Former toll bridges in Scotland Category:1971 establishments in Scotland Category:Erskine, Renfrewshire Category:Category A listed bridges Category:Category A listed buildings in Renfrewshire Category:Category A listed buildings in West Dunbartonshire