IT’S DOWN THE LEGAL ROUTE ON CLOSURE
Council takes advice on bridge work
Stirling Council is taking legal advice over the planned closure of a main route through the city.
They want to know whether there is a “legal necessity” for Network Rail to proceed with the proposed replacement of Kerse Bridge.
Councillors were told last week that the replacement of the bridge could require the road to be fully closed to traffic for six months and open to only one-way traffic for nine months.
Network Rail unveiled plans at the start of this year to build a new bridge at Kerse Road, as part of the electrification of the Central Scotland rail network.
At the council’s latest meeting, the bridge replacement was discussed as urgent business.
Members agreed that the planning application for the bridge would be dealt with at a planning hearing, but the road closure notice will be considered by the environment and housing committee.
The amendment – which was passed by councillors – also proposed that the council take legal advice
over whether replacing the council-owned bridge is necessary.
Members also want a fresh look at whether land beneath the bridge could be lowered to allow electrical lines to be installed safely.
The amendment states: “Council delegates to the chief governance officer in consultation with the leaders of political groups, to seek external legal advice (QC) on the legal neccessity for Network Rail to carry out the proposed replacement of Kerse Road Bridge and potential derogation from same.”
Network Rail said they could not comment when contacted by the Observer, but have previously said that rail tracks cannot be lowered at Stirling due to safety concerns and impact on height of platforms at Stirling Station .
Construction of the bridge was originally scheduled to take 12 months but more than 1100 people earlier this year signed a the Observer’s `Keep Stirling Moving’ petition calling for the closure period to be reduced.
Last week, Network Rail officials met with councillors to give them an update on the project. It is understood that a full closure of the bridge is now being proposed for six months, with a partial closure for a nine-month period. Traffic travelling in one direction would be able to access the bridge during the partial closure,
“We have tried to make it clear that we are in the business of looking after the people of Stirling and not Network Rail,” said the council’s environment convener Jim Thomson.
“If the closure is six months it would have a great effect on the small businesses down there.”
Network Rail have said replacing the bridge - which 22,000 motorists use a day - is a necessary part of its electrification plans.
Closure of the bridge will result in motorists having to take long diversions if they want to travel from Springkerse to the city centre, or vice versa.
To sign our petition, visit bit.ly/KersePetition or see our Facebook and Twitter pages.
You can also sign it at our offices in 34 Upper Craigs, Stirling.