The new £2.3m Carseview Bridge in Cowie has been officially opened by Transport Minister Keith Brown.

The project is part of a wider £30m programme of bridgeworks across Central Scotland ahead of further future developments in the rail lines.

The overall programme will see over 20 structures altered as Network Rail prepares for the proposed electrification of lines which will link Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa to Glasgow and Edinburgh between 2014 and 2019.

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The Carseview Bridge was originally constructed in 1848 and carries the B9124 over the railway between Stirling and Larbert stations.

Part of the project involved replacing the original stone structure with a modern concrete bridge, as well as altering the local road alignment to improve the approaches to the bridge.

Mr Brown said the project further demonstrated the Scottish Government's commitment to Scotland's railways.

He added: "In the short-term, road users will benefit from this new safer road alignment delivered through close partnership working between Network Rail and the local authority.

"Longer term the opening of the new bridge is an important milestone towards the electrification of the line here and the people of Stirling, Alloa and Dunblane can look forward to the faster, more comfortable and more reliable service this will bring, as well as the wider social, economic and environmental benefits."

(JP)