Bridge work gets the green light
Road set to close for six months instead of 12
Stirling councillors have approved the programme of works proposed by Network Rail at the Kerse Road bridge – including a six month closure of the route.
A lengthy and vibrant debate at a special meeting of Stirling Council’s environment and housing committee on Thursday saw the committee vote by four votes to two to give the go ahead for the works, which are being carried out as part of the electrification of the Stirling area rail network.
The approval includes traffic mitigation measures and road closures necessary for the works to take place.
There was said to have been a significant reduction in the original works timescale, since Network Rail had initially proposed a programme based on a full closure of the road for 15 months.
A construction period of 13 months has now been agreed, between January 2018 and January 2019, with a period of full road closure now reduced to six months from April to October.
Cycling and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times during this period over a temporary pedestrian bridge.
Councillors Alasdair Tollemache, Martin Earl, Jim Thomson and Evelyn Tweed voted to approve the scheme of work, while councillors Alasdair Macpherson and Danny Gibson voted against.
Planning permission for the new bridge had already been approved several weeks ago. While all councillors voiced their concerns about the impact of the bridge closure, those voting for the works felt that approving the plan put forward would give the council a degree of control it may not have had otherwise.
Council officials had said that should the committee not approve the proposed road closure, Network Rail would require to work with the Office of the Rail and Road Regulator to establish an alternative arrangement which could achieve electrification.
The current bridge is said to have a life span of 30-50 years but will need maintenance work, including repairs to structural cracks within the next 10-15 years.
The proposed replacement bridge, expected to cost between £6 million and £7m is to be widened to three lanes and include pedestrian and cycling facilities.
The council is negotiating with Network Rail on how much it should contribute to the replacement bridge but has set aside £1m.
Convener of the environment and housing committee Jim Thomson, said: “We have continually challenged Network Rail on the need for the proposed replacement of Kerse Road Bridge, as well as seeking to reduce the period and phasing of the works, in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the residents, tourists and commuters who use Stirling’s businesses and roads.
“We reluctantly accept the electrification of the rail track has to happen, and believe we have achieved the best possible outcome in securing a work schedule that has reduced the full closure of Kerse Road to six months.
“It is essential that Network Rail meet the agreed timescale they have proposed, while continuing to explore opportunities to improve the programme where possible.”