Glasgow City Council is preparing a major investment in the A739 Shieldhall Overpass.

The £3.75m injection will go towards improving and extending the lifespan of one of Glasgow’s most important roads.

The Executive Committee is due to be asked to approve the funding.

The improvement works would begin on the overpass in early 2013. Temporary weight restrictions will be put in place as part of a scheduled assessment of the bridge’s strength.

Most vehicles using the overpass will remain unaffected, but continued use of the bridge by vehicles, weighing up to the 44 tonne permitted weight, could cause a weakening of the structure.

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The maximum permitted gross weight of vehicles using the overpass in both directions will be limited to 7.5 tonnes, while alternative routes will be put in place for traffic above that weight.

This will not include winter gritting vehicles.

Brian Devlin, Executive Director of Land & Environmental Services, Glasgow City Council, said: "This £3.75m investment is great news for the people and businesses of Glasgow. By carrying out this planned maintenance work, we are proactively extending the use of the overpass and maintain this important transport link to the Clyde Tunnel, the new South Glasgow Hospital and the M8 motorway.

"We are now also looking to have a meaningful discussion with Transport Scotland given the increasing demand on the road network. The council carries out a scheduled programme of bridge strength assessments to target resources efficiently and ensure our roads network continues to play a vital role in supporting Scotland’s economy.

"Glasgow has improved its standing across the national picture by concentrating on identifying damaged roads and treating them at an early stage. As a result, Glasgow’s road network is now rated as seventh best in terms of performance among local authorities in Scotland."

(IT)