Bridge demolition is on day of marathon
Minimal disruption for runners, say race organisers
Stirling marathon is to take place on the weekend Kerse Bridge is due for demolition and no trains are scheduled.
The landmark sporting event – which will also feature the Scottish Marathon championships – will take place in and around the city on April 29.
Network Rail has earmarked that same weekend for the demolition of the bridge which is being replaced as part of electrification of the Stirling-AlloaDunblane line.
The demolition and reconstruction will take place on the weekends of April 28-30 and May 5–7.
Network Rail has scheduled a replacement bus service for the day of the marathon when the city is expected to be inundated with runners.
The road will be completely closed until October 30.
This year’s inaugural Stirling marathon saw over 4,000 runners flock to the city to take part but , organisers say that they don’t expect any major problems with competitors getting to the start line in 2018.
A spokesman for the Great Run Company said: “We are aware of the planned engineering works by Network Rail on the weekend of the Stirling Scottish Marathon.
“We have been working closely with Stirling Council throughout this process, and with the majority of entrants having used private transport to get to this year’s event we are confident that while there will be disruption for some, this should be minimal.
“We would ask all of our participants as always to plan their journey accordingly and leave plenty of time to arrive.”
Network Rail say that due to the 8.30am start time for runners, the work will have little impact.
A spokesman said: “Given the early start time of the marathon we don’t think the works will have a significant impact on people travelling to the event as rail services wouldn’t be likely to get runners to the city early enough.
“The route of the marathon also doesn’t incorporate the road, so our work shouldn’t impact on the event.”
Stirling Council said despite the bridge work staff would attempt to make the race more successful second time around.
A spokesperson added: “The marathon attracted thousands of spectators and participants and we have been working closely with the organisers as well as our partner organisations to make sure the 2018 event is an even bigger success.
“We are aware that Network Rail will be running a replacement bus service over this weekend. The council will be working closely with our partners and organisers to mitigate as much as possible any potential impact.”
The 2018 edition of the race starts in the shadow of Stirling Castle, on the A84, and finishes at King’s Park.