Opinions wanted on rail bridge plans

People are being urged to have their say on a planning application that could cause disruption to motorists.

Network Rail have submitted a planning application to create a temporary link road next to the busy A71.

The application is to allow the replacement of the existing bridge at West Calder which carries the A71 over the railway and part of Network Rail’s electrification of the rail line.

The planning application is under consideration by West Lothian Council and members of the public have up to and including tomorrow (Friday) to have their say.

A council spokesman said Network Rail have put forward two options for consideration.

The first is to create a temporary diversion road for the A71, taking two years, and the second is a full closure of the A71 for a minimum of 14 weeks, with a 12.5 mile diversion, potentially affecting nearby roads and villages. The potential diversion for longer distance traffic could affect traffic levels across many areas of West Lothian, in areas such as Whitburn, Blackburn, Addiewell and West Livingston.

Network Rail are proposing to create a diversion road for the A71, immediately south of the railway line in order to maintain traffic flow along the route.

A spokesperson for West Lothian Council said: ““The documents are available online at ww.westlothian.gov.uk and where comments can also be registered.”

The planning application 0571/ FUL/ 16 can be viewed on the council’s website and plans are available in West Calder Library.

Comments should be sent to the council either by using the online comments facility or to planning@ westlothian. gov. uk, or in writing to the Development Management Manager, West Lothian Civic Centre.