The bridge will link the communities of Maryhill, Gilshochill and Ruchill in the city for the first time since the waterway opened in 1790.

The project, delivered by Scottish Canals with funding from Sustrans and Glasgow City Council’s Vacant Derelict Land Fund, will also deliver a new public recreational space on a currently vacant site.

Catherine Topley, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said: “The future successful development of the communities of Maryhill, Ruchill and Gilshochill is dependent on access to services, facilities and employment, this new bridge will help open up access to all of these while significantly improving active travel options along the canal.

“This will be an iconic structure helping to attract people into the area while encouraging even more people to use the canal as a means of getting around the city.”

The bridge itself will be of a curved design with a viewing platform. The main foundation pile will be on the east bank at Ruchill sweeping west to Gilshochill and south to Maryhill.

Sections of the Forth & Clyde and Glasgow Branch canal towpath will be temporarily closed due to the works. These will be closed at Stockingfield Junction from November 2020 to approximately July 2022. Active travel diversion routes will be highlighted before the closure. The canal itself will also be closed to all traffic at the junction from November 1 to March 2021.

Karen McGregor, director of Scotland for Sustrans, said: “Sustrans is delighted to be supporting the construction of the new Stockingfield bridge though our Places for Everyone scheme. The new bridge will open up opportunities for local people and make it easier to travel along the canal, whether you walk, wheel or cycle. It’s fantastic to bring the communities of Maryhill, Ruchill and Gilshochill back together.”

The new link will open in summer 2022.