Description of local environment

Air quality

Baseline air quality surrounding the scheme extents is influenced by traffic flow along the A898 and A82 trunk roads, surrounding roads (A72), and rail activities at the Bridge’s northern extent. Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) in 2024 north of the scheme extents (site number: 74450) was recorded at 50,149 total vehicles with 1,566 (3.1%) Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

Over 100 residential receptors are located within 200m of the Bridge, primarily surrounding the Bridge’s northern extent in West Dunbartonshire. The closest properties are located just east and west of the Bridge, beneath it, along the A814 Dumbarton Road.

The following non-residential air quality-sensitive receptors are located within 200m of the Bridge:

  • Old Kilpatrick Bowling Club (approximately 60m north);
  • Kilpatrick Braes Park (approximately 20m north);
  • Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (approximately 10m north);
  • Lusset Glen Woodland (beneath the Bridge);
  • The Saltings Woodland (beneath the Bridge);
  • Boden Boo Woods (beneath the Bridge);
  • Erskine Beach (beneath the Bridge); and
  • Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort (approximately 10m west of the Bridge).

Renfrewshire Council have three currently declared Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs):

  • Renfrew Town Centre AQMA located approximately 6.5km southeast of the Bridge and declared in 2016 for nitrogen dioxide (NO2);
  • Paisley AQMA (Amended) located approximately 7.3km south of the Bridge and declared in 2006 for NO2 and particulate matter of a diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM10); and
  • Johnstone High Street AQMA located approximately 9.3km south and declared in 2016 for NO2.

West Dunbartonshire Council does not have any currently declared AQMAs.

The Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) has identified the Dalmuir Sewage Treatment Works located along Beardmore Street, Clydebank located approximately 1.95km southeast of the Bridge. No other pollution facilities identified on the SPRI are located within 1km.

There are no real-time air quality monitoring stations (Air Quality in Scotland)

Cultural heritage

A desktop study using PastMap has been undertaken, where an asset has been listed more than once, its highest statutory designation has been recorded. This refers to designations including World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Monuments, Battlefields and Listed Buildings.

The following designated cultural heritage assets are located within 300m:

Listed Buildings

  • Erskine Bridge, Category A (Ref: LB52482) (the Bridge);
  • Erskine Hospital Ferry Lodge, by Erskine Ferry, Category B (Ref: LB12375) located approximately 285m southeast;
  • Two K8 Telephone Kiosks to East and West of Carriageway at South End of Erskine Bridge, Category B (Ref: LB52515) located approximately 10m south of the Bridge’s southern extent;
  • Old Secession Church, Category B (Ref: LB14407) located approximately 20m north of the Bridge;
  • Lusset Road, Lusset House, Category B (Ref: LB18987) located approximately 65m north of the Bridge; and
  • Two K8 Telephone Kiosks to North and South of Carriageway at Northeast End of Erskine Bridge, Category B (Ref: LB52508) located approximately 20m north of the Bridge’s northern extent.

Scheduled Monuments

  • Forth And Clyde Canal: Old Kilpatrick - Linnvale (Ref: SM6778) located beneath the Bridge (northern extents), along the Forth and Clyde Canal.

World Heritage Sites

  • Antonine Wall World Heritage Site BufferZone located approximately 300m north of the Bridge.

Conservation Areas

  • Lusset Road, Old Kilpatrick located approximately 20m north.

Non-Designated Features

Historic Environment Records (HERs) and National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) provide local and national level information on Scotland’s historic environment. There are approximately 20 records listed on the HER and NRHE located within 200m, however, none are located within the scheme extents. The closest is located approximately 60m west of the Bridge, Archaeological Evaluation and Excavation: Mar Hall Golf Course, Erskine, Renfrewshire Historic Environment Record (HER) (Ref: 3825).

Landscape and visual effects

Landscape

The Bridge spans a transitional landscape setting, with rural raised beach landscapes to the south and urban infrastructure and residential areas to the north. The southern extent is classed as Landscape Character Type (LCT) 197, Raised Beach, Glasgow and Clyde Valley, characterised by mudflats, hanging woodland, historic sites and expansive views. The Bridge’s northern extent is classed as ‘Urban’.

Scotland’s Historic Land-Use Map identifies the surrounding land as designed landscape, rough grazing, industrial/commercial areas, urban areas and managed woodland.

The scheme is not located within any National Scenic Areas, National Parks, or other sites designated for their landscape character or quality.

Four areas of woodland, all classified as ‘Long-established (of plantation origin)’ under the Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) are located within the surrounding area:

  • An unnamed area (ID: 27950) located approximately 50m south (NS 468727);
  • Boden Boo Plantation (ID: 27962) located approximately 75m southeast (NS 459718);
  • An unnamed area (ID: 27961) located approximately 245m southeast (NS 462718); and,
  • An unnamed area (ID: 27959) located approximately 325m west (NS 452721).

Various trees designated under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) are located beneath the Bridge, with some located within the woodland areas noted above. None of which are located within the Bridge extents. These TPOs include:

  • TPO reference 02_5;
  • TPO reference 02_4; and,
  • TPO reference CDC12.

Visual

Given the predominantly urban setting of the Bridge’s northern extent, a range of residential, community, commercial and industrial receptors have sensitive direct views of the Bridge. Similarly, recreational and residential areas within the southern scheme extent have direct sight of the Bridge, with the structure being a prominent feature within the existing landscape setting.

Biodiversity

Protected areas

The Bridge spans the Inner Clyde Estuary, an internationally important area for wintering birds. Two European designated biodiversity sites lie 40m beneath the Bridge along the northern and southern banks (Sitelink):

  • Inner Clyde Special Protection Area (SPA) (NatureScot ID: 8514); and
  • Inner Clyde Ramsar site (NatureScot ID: 8429).

Given the proximity of the works on the Bridge, an Appropriate Assessment (AA) has been undertaken as part of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA).

Noise surveys and watching briefs were undertaken by an acoustic specialist and qualified ecologist in November 2024 to support the marine licensing process and focused on the identification and level of disturbance of the proposed works affecting the integrity of the species. Disturbance ‘flush’ events were primarily linked to public activity (particularly dog walkers), rather than the ongoing construction works on the Bridge. It is therefore likely that the main disturbance to wading birds in this area is human interaction, which is anticipated to result in birds, favouring locations less accessible to the public as their primary foraging habitats.

In addition, the Inner Clyde is also a nationally designated site, Inner Clyde Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (NatureScot ID: 1701).

A site of local importance, The Saltings Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is located beneath the Bridge’s northern extents and bounded by the River Clyde and Forth and Clyde Canal.

Please refer to the Landscape and Visual Effects section above for details on Ancient Woodland and TPOs.

Invasive plants

No Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds have been recorded within 500m of the Bridge by Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Performance System (AMPS). However, NBN Atlas has identified the following INNS and injurious weeds within 500m, outwith the Bridge extents:

INNS:
  • Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera);
  • Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica); and,
  • Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum).
Target Species:
  • Rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium);
  • Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense); and,
  • Curled dock (Rumex crispus).

Geology and soils

Geology

No sensitive geological receptor sites such as Geological Conservation Review Sites (GCRS) or SSSIs are located within 300m of the Bridge or the wider area that may be affected by works (Sitelink).

Bedrock geology at the northern and southern Bridge extents comprises igneous basaltic rock of the Strathgryfe Lava Member formed between 344.5 and 330.9 million years ago (Mya) during the Carboniferous period (BGS Geology Viewer).

Superficial deposits are sedimentary, dating from the Quaternary period (116 to 11.8 thousand years ago), comprising raised marine beach deposits of sand and gravel.

Soils

The southern Bridge extent is characterised by brown soils, while the northern extent has no recorded soil type, due to the urbanised nature of the surrounding environment (Scotland’s Soils Map).

There is no evidence of historical industrial activity or hazardous material storage that could give rise to significant land contamination within the study area.

All works are contained to the existing structure, with no disturbance to geology or soils. As such, geology and soils have been scoped out of requiring further assessment in line with DMRB Guidance document LA 109: Geology and Soils.

Material assets and waste

The works package entails the ongoing maintenance of the Bridge. As such, a variety of materials will be required and different waste streams will be generated, depending on the specific activity undertaken.

Materials and wastes associated with the works include (but are not limited to):

External painting

  • Materials: paint, thinner, solvents, blasting materials and steel.
  • Wastes: paint and spent blasting material.

Nosing joint replacement and surfacing

  • Materials: waterproofing material, bituminous surfacing materials (TS2010, binder/base), thermoplastic paint and road studs.
  • Wastes: road planings, nosing joints, bollards, road markings and studs.

Cable re-tensioning

  • Materials: N/A
  • Wastes: obsolete cable re-tensioning equipment.

Inspection and servicing of access equipment

  • Materials: gas products.
  • Wastes: obsolete access equipment.

Trough to deck welds remedial works

  • Materials: gas products.
  • Wastes: Sanded materials (surface course, concrete, metals).

Carriageway resurfacing

  • Materials: waterproofing material, bituminous surfacing materials (TS2010, binder/base), road marking materials and studs.
  • Wastes: road planings, nosing joints, bollards, road markings and studs.

Concrete repairs

  • Materials: siloxane water propellant material, concrete reinstatement materials and corrosion inhibiting sika ferrogard.
  • Wastes: removed concrete and alkaline wastewater.

Dehumidification/fire protection

  • Materials: metal paint products, cable shrouding materials and fire protection materials.
  • Wastes: packaging and cable bands.

Internal electrical maintenance

  • Materials: miscellaneous electrical equipment such as cameras and lighting.
  • Wastes: obsolete electrical equipment and packaging.

General activities

  • Materials: survey equipment and fixings, vehicle fuel and oil.
  • Wastes: packaging and general construction debris.

Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) will be prepared for each individual scheme on Erskine Bridge, prior to the works which will detail how resource use and waste arising from the works will be managed throughout the scheme. This is required due to the schemes exceeding £350,000 in value and will help control and reduce the amount of waste produced, resulting in less landfilled waste.

Noise and vibration

The Bridge spans a transitional setting, with rural areas to the south, and more built-up, residential areas of Old Kirkpatrick to the north. Local noise levels are likely to be primarily influenced by vehicle traffic on the A898 and A82 carriageways, with secondary sources from local roads, rail, and residential and commercial/industrial activities within the surrounding areas of Erskine, Old Kilpatrick, Bishopton and Clydebank. For AADF details, refer to the Air quality section above.

Approximately 200 noise sensitive receptors (NSRs) are located within 300m of the Bridge including residential properties, religious, recreational and community facilities.

  • Old Kilpatrick Bowling Club (approximately 60m north);
  • Kilpatrick Braes Park (approximately 20m north);
  • Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (approximately 10m north);
  • Lusset Glen Woodland (beneath the Bridge);
  • The Saltings Woodland (beneath the Bridge);
  • Boden Boo Woods (beneath the Bridge);
  • Erskine Beach (beneath the Bridge); and,
  • Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort (approximately 10m west of the Bridge).

The closest constant NSRs are residential properties located directly beneath the Bridge along Dumbarton Road. NSRs located on Dumbarton Road, Glen Road, Lusset Glen, Dalnottar Terrace, Dalnottar Avenue, Lusset Road, Ashtree Crescent, Station Road and Mount Pleasant Drive (Old Kilpatrick) currently experience modelled day-evening-night noise levels (Lden) of 55 to 75dB from the A898 carriageway (the Bridge). Night noise levels (Lnight) for the period 23:00-07:00 range from <50 to 65dB (Scotland’s Noise Map).

The Bridge is located approximately 5km north of Glasgow International Airport which includes many flight paths.

The works are not located within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA) or a Candidate Quiet Area (CQA) as defined by the Transportation Noise Action Plan (Road Maps) Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP).

Population and human health

There are over 200 sensitive receptors located within 500m, including residential receptors, community facilities (recreational and religious) and local businesses. For details on sensitive receptors, please refer to the Noise and Vibration section above.

Eight Core Paths are located within 500m of the Bridge:

Renfrewshire Council Core Paths:

  • Core Path EI/2 is a shared use pedestrian walkway and cycle lane located on the Bridge;
  • The Clyde walkway (EI/1 leading to EI/5) runs directly under the Bridge; and,
  • Boden Boo Woods walking route (EI/6) is located approximately 95m south of the Bridge.

West Dunbartonshire Council Core Paths:

  • Core Path 123 and 124 is a shared use pedestrian walkway and cycle lane located on the Bridge.
  • Core Path 114 runs parallel to the River Clyde beneath the Bridge;
  • Core Path 110 runs beneath the Bridge at the Forth and Clyde Canal;
  • Core Path 127 runs along Lusset Glen and adjoins two other Core Paths 130 and 131 which adjoin to Core Path 127, and lead northward towards the Bridge; and,
  • Core Path 129, which also adjoins Core Path 127 and runs east towards Great Western Road.

Whilst no bus stops exist along the Bridge extents, services 757 Paisley - Clydebank and X22 Greenock - Clydebank utilise the A898 carriageway along the Bridge. The A898 carriageway is street-lit on the Bridge and contains both northbound and southbound footways.

National Cycle Network route 7 travels beneath the Bridge parallel to the Forth and Clyde Canal. No laybys or crossover points are located on the Bridge.

Whilst no access roads exist within the Bridge extents, on and off-slip roads connecting the A898 carriageway to the A82 (Great Western Road) are present beyond the northern extent of the Bridge.

Road drainage and the water environment

Surface water

The Bridge spans the Clyde Estuary, Inner (ID: 200510), a statutory transitional waterbody designated under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). It exhibits a ‘Moderate’ ecological potential and ‘Poor’ water quality under SEPA’s 2023 water classification data (SEPA Water Classification Hub).

This area of the Inner Clyde is located below Mean High Water Springs (MHWS), and as such, under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, a Marine Licence is required for the works. A 10-year Marine Licence was granted on the 18th December 2024 (MS-00010790).

Another statutory water body, the Forth and Clyde Canal (ID: 10710) flows beneath the Bridge’s northern extents and exhibits ‘Good’ ecological potential.

Dalnottar Burn, a non-designated watercourse and tributary of the River Clyde flows west beneath the Bridge and into the River Clyde.

At present, drainage along the length of the Bridge is provided by gullies within the main span of the structure, draining down the main columns to outlets at the base of the Bridge’s piers of which then drain into the River Clyde.

Groundwater

The southern Bridge extents are within the Erskine and Linwood Sand and Gravel groundwater body (ID: 150782) with an overall ‘Good’ WFD status. The northern Bridge extents are within the Clydebank Sand and Gravel groundwater body (ID:150775) classified with a ‘Good’ status.

The Bridge is not located within a Scottish Government Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

Flood risk

The scheme is not located within areas identified at risk of fluvial or pluvial flooding (SEPA’s Flood Map), or within a 2028-2034 potentially vulnerable area (PVA) (Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVAs) 2028-2034).

The Clyde Estuary is identified as having a high (10%) likelihood of coastal water flooding annually. Forth and Clyde Canal and Dalnottar Burn are both identified at a high risk of pluvial flooding each year (SEPA Flood Maps).

Climate

Carbon Goals 

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, as amended by the Scottish Carbon Budgets Amendment Regulations 2025 sets out the statutory framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Scotland. The prior annual and interim targets have been replaced by five-year carbon budgets, which sets limits on the amount of GHGs that can be emitted in Scotland.

The proposed carbon budgets are aligned with advice from the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) and calculated in accordance with the 2009 Act. The 2025 Regulations define the baseline years for emissions reductions as 1990 for greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and 1995 for others such as hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride (as set out in Section 11 of the Act). The budgets are as follows:

  • 2026 - 2030: Average emissions to be 57% lower than baseline.
  • 2031 - 2035: Average emissions to be 69% lower than baseline.
  • 2036 - 2040: Average emissions to be 80% lower than baseline
  • 2041 - 2045: Average emissions to be 94% lower than baseline.

These budgets are legally binding and will be supported by a new Climate Change Plan, which will outline the specific policies and actions required to meet the targets.

Transport Scotland remains committed to reducing carbon across Scotland’s transport network, this commitment is being enacted through the Mission Zero for Transport. Transport is the largest contributor to harmful climate emissions in Scotland, and Transport Scotland are committed to reducing their emissions by 75% by 2030 and to a legally binding target of net-zero by 2045. 

Amey’s Company Wide Carbon Goal is to achieve Scope 1 and 2 net-zero carbon emissions, with a minimum of 80% absolute reduction on our emissions by 2035. Amey is aiming to be fully net-zero, including Scope 3 emissions, by 2040. 

Amey are working towards a contractual commitment to have carbon neutral depots on the SW NMC network by 2028. Amey have set carbon goals for the SW NMC contract as a whole to be net-zero carbon by 2032.