Pupils Bridge the Knowledge Gap with Education Project

Primary 4/5 pupils from Cairns Primary School in Cambuslang paid a visit to the site of Transport Scotland's M74 Completion project this week as part of a unique project facilitated by contractor Interlink M74 JV and Clyde Gateway. The children will be following the progress of the construction of Auchenshuggle Bridge over the River Clyde near Rutherglen over the course of two years culminating in the creation of literature and an exhibition for their local community.

The visit is one of several planned by the Contractor over the course of the two year project. The school first visited the site before work commenced and now they have returned to see the progress to date with a specially constructed viewing gallery meaning they can safely observe the work taking place. The bridge structure is taking shape with the west abutment, the end support for the bridge, well underway. Pupils were also able to see the 1200 cubic metre concrete base of the east abutment being poured during their visit. Jim Hamilton, the site's senior engineer, gave a lively talk explaining the construction work and the need for the bridge while the children recorded their visit with photographs and drawings.

Throughout the course of the Transport Scotland project the pupils will be visiting the site and working in school to learn more about the Auchenshuggle Bridge and the surrounding area. This includes studying other famous bridges and also looking at the natural habitat and wildlife along the banks of the River Clyde. This week the school was also exhibiting at the Scottish Learning Festival with South Lanarkshire Council where the displayed information they have gathered about the project.

Ewen Macdonell, PR Manager for Interlink M74 JV, has been working with the school to facilitate the project:

"The school recognised the significance of the project to the local area and when teacher Mrs McDonald approached us with a view to creating a project for her Primary 3 class we were delighted to help. The Auchenshuggle Bridge, and indeed the whole completion project, provides a unique opportunity for pupils to learn about the many different aspects that are involved in a construction job of this scale and also the benefits it will have for their local community.

"The pupils' infectious enthusiasm means they are a pleasure to work with and they have a very genuine interest in learning about the Auchenshuggle bridge which will have such a positive impact on the area and their lives - indeed many of them are likely to be driving over it on a regular basis in the not so distant future!"

Graeme Porteous of Transport Scotland said:

"Interlink M74 JV's project with Cairns Primary School is a fantastic initiative that has really engaged the pupils' attention and imagination. It's a great example of the contractor getting involved in the local community in which they are working, allowing the children to learn more about the M74 Completion project and have fun while doing so."

The Auchenshuggle Bridge is one of 13 major structures along the route of the new motorway and will carry both carriageways over the River Clyde. Located about 600 metres west of Fullarton Road junction where the M74 Completion will join the existing M74, this will be the only point where the motorway crosses the Clyde.