Work to demolish and replace a railway bridge over the A814 near Clydebank will start in a few weeks' time - closing the road for almost four months.

The stretch of road over the railway line on Dumbarton Road in Old Kilpatrick will be shut from August 2 until November 26, Network Rail has announced.

The railway infrastructure company says the new bridge will strengthen and safeguard the route for the long term after the deterioration of the current structure left it unsuitable for the weight and volume of traffic which passes over it each day.

Last year, Network Rail spent £1 million on a temporary "bailey bridge" on the A814, which currently sits over the old structure and allows traffic to continue using the route.

Vehicles will be diverted via the A82 Great Western Road while the bridge is closed, but access will remain open to pedestrians until September 24 when the bridge will close completely for three weeks to allow demolition and follow-up works to take place.

Jeremy Spence, programme manager for the bridge replacement works, said: “Our investment in the temporary bailey bridge allowed the route to remain open to traffic for the last year.

"However, we now need to replace the existing structure with a permanent bridge that will benefit the community in the long term.

“We understand that there will be some disruption in the short term to road users and nearby communities.

"And, while the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic until November, we are pleased that we’ll be able to keep it open to pedestrians for the vast majority of the works.

“We are very grateful to all road users and the wider community for their patience while we carry out this vital work.”

Network Rail has worked closely with West Dunbartonshire Council and other stakeholders to plan the demolition and replacement works, as well as the road closure and diversion.

Ahead of the work commencing, Network Rail is holding an online drop-in session for members of the public on Tuesday, July 27.

To book a 15-minute slot to speak to members of the project team, visit scotlandsrailway.com/projects/old-kilpatrick/events. 

If you have any questions about this work you can contact Network Rail’s 24 hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

For latest information and progress updates follow @NetworkRailScot on Twitter..