Network Rail has withdrawn plans to build a temporary road in West Lothian.

The route would have enabled a diversion route to be built while the A71 road bridge in West Calder is upgraded as part of the Shotts Line Electrification bridge clearance scheme.

The structure must be rebuilt to create enough height for the electrification of the railway line beneath. Network Rail also needs to carry out extensive mining remediation work under the bridge abutments to ensure the ongoing integrity of the structure.

Work was scheduled to begin in January 2017, but Network Rail has been unable to secure the required access from the council to undertake the mining remediation works, meaning the project cannot keep to the programme dates outlined in the application.

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In addition, residents and parents have indicated Network Rail would be better to pursue other options to repair the structure. Plans are now in place to seek the full closure of the A71 for a 16-week period to allow bridge work to proceed.

Michelle McCaig, Network Rail's Project Manager, 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."

(LM/JP)