Glasgow City Council has approved the crossing at Stockingfield Junction on Lochburn Road, as it looks to permanently connect three communities in the north of the city and encourage active travel.

The structure will carry a 3.5-metre-wide shared pedestrian and cycle route over the canal, providing a new traffic-free link between the communities of Maryhill, Gilshochill and Ruchill.

Construction of the project will be delivered by Scottish Canals with funding from Sustrans and Glasgow City Council’s Vacant Derelict Land Fund.

The planning report stated: “The new crossing will allow pedestrians, runners, cyclists and people making everyday journeys along the canal to cross over the canal rather than having to negotiate the existing Lochburn Road footways under the canal aqueduct which are sub-standard and potentially hazardous.”

“The purpose of the crossing is to reconnect the existing towpath that was severed following the construction of the Bowling branch of the canal in the late 18th Century,” the planning statement added.

“The bridge structure has evolved from the previous submission due to economic constraints and feedback from local communities.

“The sculpture element has been removed and a less imposing but fully integrated pylon observation deck designed to promote enhanced active travel of the canal, towpaths and the site was developed.”

The bridge has been designed in discussion with Historic Environment Scotland to avoid impact on the canal, described an “industrial monument of national importance”.

The canal was reopened in 2002 through the Millennium Link Project, which included The Falkirk Wheel.

“Since then Scottish Canals has worked with its partners to promote and enhance the canal corridor,” the report stated.

“As intended, popularity has increased year on year with over one million visits last year.”