Scottish transport minister Stewart Stevenson today visited the site of the new Harthill Footbridge to mark the start of its construction.

Contractor Raynesway will build the new 63m-long bridge, which will be formed from a helical truss of intertwining tubular steel enclosing a glass-sided walkway.

The US$10 million Transport Scotland project will replace an existing footbridge and provide access improvements for the adjoining service station and local transport interchange.

Several forms were evaluated for the new structure, including a tied arch structure and a cable stayed bridge.