Minister visits £5 million Harthill Footbridge

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson will visit M8 Harthill Services today to officially open the new £5 million footbridge now in use by the public.

The iconic structure, which replaces the old bridge built in the 1960’s, provides much-needed improved access for the Heart of Scotland (Harthill) Services and the Local Transport Interchange (LTI).

Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, said:

"While the old bridge stood for many years, this is a fantastic new footbridge which is welcomed by users of the M8 from near and far.

"It is clear that local communities are already benefitting from improved access to the local transport interchange. That is why I am pleased to visit Harthill again now that the project is complete."

The eye-catching steel structure, designed by Buro-Happold, comprises a 65 metre main span with a spiral design and includes a covered walkway. Main contractor Raynesway Construction Limited managed the project, including the delicate operation in October to lift the footbridge into place, using Britain’s largest mobile crane.

Harthill was the first motorway service station to be built in Scotland following the completion of the M8 in the early 1970s. The new footbridge completes the redevelopment of the Harthill site, which includes a Transport Scotland investment in a £1.1 million transport interchange.

For further details see M8 Harthill Footbridge Replacement