That’s after a temporary footbridge for utilities and services was opened to the public four weeks ahead of schedule last week.

Those walking, wheeling and cycling on Shields Road are now able to use the new footbridge until the road reopens in August this year.

The 90-metre-long steel structure spans the four rail lines running below and allows the 24 utilities beneath the road surface – including a gas main, electricity cables, phone and internet services - to be diverted safely over the railway while the adjacent bridge deck is removed and replaced.

Laura Craig, scheme project manager for Scotland’s Railway, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to open this footbridge ahead of schedule, thanks to the fantastic work carried out by our partners to get the utilities diverted from the road and prepare the bridge for pedestrians.

“While the bridge is suitable for all, cyclists must dismount when crossing to ensure that everyone is safe.

“We can now prepare for the demolition and rebuild of the road bridge so that those using Shields Road are disrupted as little as possible and the road reopens on time in August this year.”

In October last year, the main bridge spans were installed using a 100-tonne crane over two four-hour night shifts.

In the next phase of work the existing bridge over the railway will be demolished before engineers install the new bridge deck later in the year.

Shields Road has been closed between St Andrew’s Drive and Scotland Street since August 2023 whilst this vital work is carried out. Vehicles are being diverted via Nithsdale Road, Dumbreck Road and Seaward Street.

When complete, the work will improve the road layout for vehicles passing over Shields Road, reintroducing three lanes and a cycle lane along the carriageway, removing all current restrictions.