NETWORK Rail has completed the removal of the old footbridge at Port Glasgow railway station as a major £5m access project nears completion.
The bridge which connected the station's two platforms was taken out of use in December last year following the opening of the station’s new staircase, footbridge and elevators.
This month work began work to remove the steps and tower on platform one.
On Sunday, the 15-tonne bridge deck was lifted off and placed on a trombone trailer with the help of a 500-tonne crane which had been set up in the car park on Highholm Avenue.
The work is part of the £5 million Access For All project which was designed to provide step-free access at the station, making travel easier for those with limited mobility and passengers with children, luggage or cycles.
Project manager Laura Craig said: “We are delighted with how the bridge removal went last weekend. This was another successful step in what has been an extremely well-organised and well-delivered project.
“Our work is a great example of Scotland’s Railway working together effectively. We were able to schedule the bridge to be removed while the line was closed due to work taking place on the Inverclyde line, to help minimise disruption for passengers.
“We would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding during the work.”
👀 Did anyone spot the huge crane in Port Glasgow over the weekend? We successfully removed the old station footbridge while the railway was closed. 🏗️@ScotRail | @transcotland | @inverclyde | @StoryContractng
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) February 14, 2024
Paul Shopp of STORY Contracting, who have helped deliver the scheme, said: "The removal and demolition of the existing footbridge signifies another key milestone and moves us one step closer to completing what will be a fantastic project and asset for the local community.
"Collaborative working and diligent planning with our supply chain and Network Rail created a safe environment for this work to be executed over a single weekend, helping to minimise disruption on Scotland's Railway.
"A special thank you to the local community and commuters for their patience over the last 12 months as we carry out this work."
Train services were affected on Sunday and Monday, before returning to normal on Tuesday.
The line will close again on Sunday February 18 and Monday February 19, to allow for resurfacing on both platforms and rendering works to the station wall.
Passengers planning to travel by train should check nationalrail.co.uk for details, with replacement bus services in operation.
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