An eight-month programme of works to renovate a Stirling railway bridge will start next week.
Network Rail had been due to start the £2.7m scheme on the Forth Railway viaduct between Bridgehaugh and Riverside on January 10, but the body said it had been postponed ‘due to an unforeseen delay outwith our control’.
When the work was first announced in December concerns emerged over night-time noise as well as traffic queues on roads around Riverside, especially during school run times.
It will now start on Monday, February, 28.
Network Rail’s schedule was to involve dayshift (7am-5pm), evening (5pm-2am) and nightshift (10pm-8am) work.
One Riverside resident had pointed out: “Lovers’ Walk is busy, particularly at school run times, and is one of only three routes out of Riverside so there will be a gnashing of teeth among drivers.
“And there’s sure to be added congestion at the Shore Road/Goosecroft Road junction.
“A further element is work will be taking place during the night.
“People living near the viaduct who have put up with the night time noise and disruption accompanying rail electrification will not be looking forward to another lengthy period of unsettled sleep.”
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The planned work will involve repainting and repairing the structure – also known as the Caledonian Railway Bridge – which was built in 1905 to replace an earlier railway bridge.
A Causewayhead Road traffic management system will allow for the unloading of plant and materials from large delivery wagons.
In a letter to distributed to Riverside residents this week, dated February 2022, Network Rail pointed out:
‘As part of our commitment to running a safe and reliable railway we will shortly begin our project to refurbish the Forth viaduct in Stirling.
‘Our project is planned to take place from Monday February 28 to Friday October 21 and will involve dayshift, evening and nightshift work.
‘We will be closing Lovers’ Walk for the duration of the works to allow us to set up our site compound, material laydown area and access from the south bank. A diversion route will be in place via Forth Street, Shore Road, Forth Place, Goosecroft Road, Cowane Street and Union Street.
‘Pedestrian access will remain via a slightly diverted footpath on Lovers Walk and there could be short, infrequent delays due to plant and vehicle movements.
‘A traffic management system will also be in place on Causewayhead Road to allow for the unloading of plant and materials from large delivery wagons.
‘We’ll create a temporary access to the structure on the north bank through Stirling Rugby Club car park and Forthside Allotments’ car park.
‘We will also access the railway from the Network Rail access point on Bridgehaugh Road.
‘While some noise from our works is unavoidable we will do all we can to minimise noise impact including using acoustic barrier and hand tools instead of power tools where possible.’
Information on the project can be found at: https://scotlandsrailway.com/projects/forth-viaduct/events
There is also a 24-hour helpline at 03457 11 41 41.
