Praise for footbridge at opening ceremony
Community leaders hail new crossing at Millhall
A new footbridge project at Millhall to replace a former level crossing has officially been opened.
The Millhall Road crossing opened to the public earlier this month, but the structure was officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony this week.
The crossing, near Caledonian Marts, was a Network Rail project to replace the level crossing as part of plans to electrify the line through Stirling.
The rail firm have been working to get rid of all level crossings in Scotland where they can.
The old level crossing was classed as one of the most dangerous in Scotland — with one fatal accident and six near misses since 2010.
Following consultations a range of alternatives to improve safety at the crossing were investigated and it was deemed that the footbridge was the way forward.
It’s believed that the new structure - built by Story cost between £3 million and £4 million.
The new bridge includes ramps with resting points, as well as steps.
The opening comes after a community bid to make the crossing safer.
Chair of Braehead Community Council, Wendy McLean, said: “We’re really delighted that we have a structure that actually does the job. The dog walkers are happy. The pram pushers are happy. The cyclists are all happy. It’s a smooth gradient and it’s a superb non-slip surface as well.
“It’s been very cleverly done. It’s been a great collaboration with Network Rail and the local community. The community council and Network Rail have worked very well together to secure what for us allows us still the access across the railway but meets the needs of Network Rail and ourselves.”
The ribbon was cut by Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford, who added: “All credit to the local community, who led the campaign to get this new fantastic bridge put in place. Because of the gentle sloping nature of the bridge it’s a real boon for cyclists, for pram users and local people. As far as the wider issue of active travel in the Stirling area is concerned, it will certainly help because this is known as a very flat area and we should be encouraging folk in this part of Stirling.”
The new bridge could also play a key part in the community accessing additional government funding. Stirling East councillor and former Braehead Community Council chairman, Chris Kane said: “Network Rail have delivered a modern, highly accessible bridge which is a welcome addition to Braehead’s walking and cycling path network. It will also allow us to unlock Scottish Government match-funding to make further infrastructure improvements to create safer routes to local high schools, the city centre, Forthside’s sports facilities and much more. The Millhall bridge is the latest piece in the puzzle and I’m looking forward to working with partners in the coming years to deliver more within the local community.”
Stirling Council approved the plans for the bridge in July 2016.
The line carries both passenger and freight trains and has a capacity for up to 100mph.
Last month the Observer reported how plans for a new £20 million project to replace Cornton level crossing were scrapped. Instead, an upgraded full-barrier system is to be installed at the crossing plus additional safety technology, at a cost of between £6 million and £9 million.
The level crossing which the footbridge is replacing at Millhall is the first public level crossing to close in Scotland for five years.