Bam Nuttall has completed work to install a new footbridge at West Calder railway station in West Lothian.

The structure, which weighs more than 21 tonnes, will provide step free access to both platforms once its lifts are commissioned early next month.

Overall, the scheme has been delivered as part of wider work on the Shotts line ahead of the electrification of the route by 2019. The new bridge delivers the clearance for running wires to enable the safe electrification of the line.

The old bridge will be taken to its new home on Bo’ness heritage railway. It was removed by a 130-t0nne crane during three lift operations, which working taking place during a 10-day closure of the line.

-- Advertisement --

Kevin McLelland, Network Rail's delivery director for infrastructure projects, said: "We are continuously seeking opportunities to make stations more accessible and the new footbridge at West Calder will help ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to easily access train services and thus enables more people to travel by train.

"We are reaching the end of route clearance activities on the project where we have cleared structures on the route from being an obstruction to the safe running of the overhead wires which enable electrification.

"Opening the new bridge is another important milestone for the electrification project – with the added bonus of enabling the old bridge to be relocated and preserved at Bo’ness heritage railway – which is great to see."

(LM/MH)