PLANS for the new bridge connecting Renfrew Riverside to Clydebank has taken a step forward.

An artist’s impression of a 184m long swivelling road bridge has been released in a new report from engineering consultants Sweco.

The bridge is the key feature in the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project and will include new roads that will improve the flow of traffic in Renfrew.

The £1.13bn Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal is being led by Renfrewshire Council to connect both banks of the River Clyde between Ferry Road and Inchinnan Road.

Also featured on the bridge is a pedestrian and cycle route to minimise carbon footprint, which has been designed to "blend in" with the landscape.

The design will have a span of 90m and 2km of new single carriageway road will be built into the existing road network.

Showcasing a twin leaf look, this opening type design will allow uninterrupted passage of ships and vessels below.

Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan previously commented about the new possibilities the infrastructure project will bring to the area.

He said: "It is a significant investment that will open up travel options for local people on both sides of the water and create potential for business growth and new residential developments.

"The Renfrew crossing will be an exciting addition to the Clyde’s existing bridges, but it will also bring a unique engineering distinction to Renfrewshire, we will be the only place in Scotland to have two opening road bridges in such close proximity.

"This one-of-a-kind feature illustrates just how important rivers, engineering and connectivity are to both Renfrewshire’s past and future.

"It’s a great project that will quickly bring economic and social benefits to the area as well as opening up access to employment opportunities throughout the City Deal region."

It is expected that construction will take around 24 months, assuming that all elements of the project are built at the same time.

In their report Sweco said: "The proposed new Clyde Crossing design is expected to be a ‘swing bridge’ of twin leaf design which is an opening type design to allow for the uninterrupted passage of ships and other vessels on the river.

"It will be designed to allow for a clear span of 90m (when open to river traffic) for navigation on the river.

"The bridge will span the navigation channel with a span(s) which will rotate through 90 degrees horizontally so that in its open position the opening span is parallel with the river.

"A back span acting as a counterweight to the opening span(s) will also be required.

"The main opening span and back spans will consist of two steel box girder decks with a spine (probably of steel trussed construction with cladding) with the counterweight behind a pivot axis within the deck construction.

"The bridge will be supported on piled reinforced concrete piers and abutments."