Bridge saga: MSP wants answers on road action

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford is calling on Network Rail to provide more information on how they will mitigate traffic issues caused by the controversial Kerse Road Bridge closure.

The politician has written to the rail giant and Stirling Council asking for further details to be given to residents ahead of the six-month project next year.

Concerns have been raised about the pressure likely to be put on secondary roads as people try to find alternate routes to and from the centre of the city.

The bridge will close for maintenance works during the weekend of November 11 and 12, and then again on November 18 and 19, before a partial closure with a single-lane working from January 8 to April 22.

And the road will be fully closed from April 22 and October 30 while the bridge over the railway line is demolished and rebuilt.

A letter from Network Rail was delivered to those living in the area detailing the dates and nature of the work, but Mr Crawford has expressed his disappointment that no mitigation measures were mentioned.

He said:“People across the Stirling area will be rightly concerned that this key road in and out of Stirling city centre will be fully closed for such a long period of time.

“The closure will allow for crucial upgrading works to take place – ensuring that trains are more environmentally friendly, cleaner, and quieter once the line under the bridge is electrified.

“However, there is no doubt that such a major task will see significant detriment to those commuting in and out of our city and it is important that local people are updated about how Stirling Council and Network Rail are working together to ease the strain that this will cause.

“That is why I will be writing to both Network Rail and to Stirling Council on this matter and I hope to see useful information passed on to local residents before the major works take place.”

Councillor Jim Thomson, convener of the environment and housing committee, confirmed that the local authority are working with Network Rail to complete their communication plan.

He said:“We have received Bruce Crawford’s letter and will respond to the MSP direct. I can confirm, though, that Stirling Council is working with Network Rail to finalise their communication and engagement plan for the project, and will provide key information for residents and business about traffic mitigation measures to be included in future communications from Network Rail.”