Plans for the new bridge from Clydebank to Renfrew have reached the tendering stage, with three international teams submitting bids.

It is the first sign of progress for the infrastructure which lurched through the planning process over the past 18 months.

Engineering firm Sweco worked with architects Kettle Collective to draw up initial designs, and work could start next year and be completed by 2022.

The Renfrewshire Council-led project will include new roads to connect to their manufacturing district near Glasgow Airport.

Read more: Man drives into Clyde from Clydebank's Dock Street - then swims to Renfrew

But questions remained throughout the process at West Dunbartonshire Council about pressure on traffic from Glasgow and Dumbarton Roads onto Dock Street, which will feed into the bridge.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: "This project will transform the Clyde waterfront and connect communities on both sides of the river, improving access to jobs, education, hospitals and leisure pursuits.

"I am very pleased to see this project progressing well and it is no surprise that it has attracted such high-calibre teams bidding to secure the design and construction contract.

"More than 470 people will be involved in the initial construction and a further 2,300 jobs are expected to follow over the next decade through the new developments and business growth it attracts."

The three bidders are:

- ARC - a joint venture of Roadbridge and American Bridge supported by COWI as design partner, whose previous projects include the construction of the Queensferry Crossing and the Tappan Zee Bridge over the Hudson River in New York.

- A Balfour Beatty team made up of Cleveland Bridge, Qualter Hall and consultants Atkins, which delivered the Media City Swing Bridge in Salford and is currently replacing the Surf City Swing Bridge in North Carolina.

- Construction and civil engineering company Graham working with Hollandia - which were both involved in the construction of the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin - and Ramboll, the firm that led the Design Joint Venture of the Queensferry Crossing.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "It's great to see the progress being made on the first and largest growth deal in Scotland, which the UK Government is supporting through its £523million investment.

"The funding is already delivering real benefits for people who live and work in the region and this particular crossing will make a huge difference to the Clyde waterfront.

"To date the UK Government has committed more than £1.39billion of Growth Deal investment to support sustainable growth in Scotland and create jobs and opportunities for the future."