Network Rail will ditch Parkhead field diversion bid
A major road through West Calder could close for four months after Network Rail ditched plans to divert it through a school playing field.
Just last month rail bosses submitted proposals to West Lothian Council which would have seen the A71 diverted through Parkhead Primary School’s grounds.
It was supposed to accomodate the rebuilding of the West Calder railway bridge as part of the Shotts line electification project.
But Network Rail have now changed their plans after council bosses raised concerns over noise and air quality impacts.
The company claim that they will now have to close the A71 for 16 weeks while workers complete the bridge alterations.
Michelle McCaig, Network Rail’s project manager for the Shotts Line Electrification bridge clearance programme said: “As we have previously acknowledged, the A71 is a critical link in the West Lothian road network and we do not take the decision to withdraw the planning application for the temporary diversion road lightly.
“We do this mindful of the impact that this potentially will have for both road users and those communities adjacent to the proposed diversion route.
“At this point, having not been granted access to undertake the mining remediation works, the programme we had outlined to the council in the planning application is unachievable and consequently we now have to take a different course.
“We believe this is the best way forward in terms of minimising the overall disruption that this project will have on the community.”
A spokesman for West Lothian Council said: “We have been notified by Network Rail that it has withdrawn its planning application for a temporary road to divert the A71, which was due to be heard at the Development Management Committee on Tuesday, October 11.”
Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance voiced her anger at the news that the road could now close for 16 weeks. She said: “This is a major arterial road through West Lothian which is critical to the transport structure of West Lothian and will cause untold disruption and harm to the local community.
“I believe that Network Rail’s planning and timetabling process has been poor and it’s interaction with the local community and authority even poorer. I have demanded a meeting with Network Rail to discuss the situation as soon as possible and await their response.”
The railway bridge must be rebuilt to create enough height for the electrification of the railway line beneath.
As part of that Network Rail needs to carry out extensive mining remediation work under the bridge abutments to ensure the ongoing integrity of the structure.
Work had been due to begin in January 2017 but it is unclear when revised works will kick-off.
Network Rail say they will now work with West Lothian Council to put in place an appropriate ‘all vehicle’ diversion. The company have confirmed they will distribute full information on a revised programme of work, timescales and appropriate diversion information as soon as possible.
This is a major arterial road which is critical to the transport structure . . .