Worries grow over planned Kerse Road bridge closure
Scores of readers turn to Observer Facebook site to reveal fears
Concerns have been raised about a planned year-long closure of a main route through Stirling.
We reported last week that the Kerse Road bridge is set to be shut for 12 months from May as part of works to electrify the trainline between Stirling and Larbert.
Around 100 comments were made on our Facebook site from readers who are concerned about the effect the closure will have on traffic in the city.
And Braehead residents have also raised their fears about road safety while the works are carried out.
Braehead Community Council chairman Chris Kane said: “I would imagine that the traffic volumes on the Pike Road-Broom RoadLinden Avenue route to and from the city centre will increase dramatically.
“If unmanaged this could be hellish within our community, particularly if we see more articulated lorries trying to navigate the small roundabouts and sharp bends.
“Children in nearby streets have to cross going to and from school and the road separates the bulk of the community from our two community halls, a playpark and our community garden.
“Network Rail cannot simply shrug their shoulders and say it has to happen. They need to work with us to minimise disruption and keep everybody safe.”
Network Rail has said that diversion plans are being examined, and that it will aim to avoid routes near schools. A traffic plan will then be considered by the council’s roads department.
The organisation has said that discussions with the council, local residents and businesses will take place to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We understand the impact that this work will potentially have for both road users and those communities adjacent to the bridge.
“We have planned carefully with our contractors and have every confidence the project team can complete this work with the minimum possible inconvenience.
“We will work closely with the local authorities and residents throughout the project to make sure we keep them fully informed and address any concerns they may have.”
Replacing the bridge, which runs above the main lines, will cost between £3 million to £4 million.
It had been hoped that the track could be lowered to avoid removing the bridge, however this has been deemed not to be viable due to concerns about flooding and safety.
A planning application for the works is being considered by Stirling Council.