Road Bridge Over River Kelvin, Great Western Road, Glasgow

The Road Bridge over the River Kelvin on Great Western Road in Glasgow is an impressive structure designed by engineers Bell and Miller, with construction carried out by contractors Morrison and Mason and iron and steel work by Sir W Arrol. The bridge was begun in April 1890 and opened in September 1891. It features a four-span depressed arch design made of cast iron, with two main arches spanning the River Kelvin and two smaller outer arches over the banks.

The easternmost spans connect to South Woodside Road via a stone scale and platt stair. The abutments, piers, and approach walls are constructed from red and grey granite, while the ribs of the spans and the parapets are made of cast iron. The bridge is supported by a square of octagonal engaged pillars that have foliate capitals and a crenellated parapet surrounding the top of the pier. The main span consists of nine ribs, with the outermost rib featuring nailhead detail along the arch ring arris, traceried spandrels, and the City of Glasgow arms. The subsidiary arches have six ribs each.

A cast-iron traceried parapet connects the crenellated piers, which are adorned with a polished red granite plaque commemorating the official opening of the bridge. The stairway leading to South Woodside Road includes a stone scale and platt stair with a traceried parapet supported by cast-iron columns.