Network Rail have announced that work is underway on the installation of a new collision protection beam on a railway bridge on Balgreen Road in Edinburgh.

The beam will provide additional protection to the bridge, reducing the risk of structural damage and potential disruption to rail services. Network Rail is investing almost £250,000 in the project.

The bridge has a history of incidents where drivers have failed to observe the height restriction and driven their vehicle into the structure. The bridge ranks 2nd in Scotland for the sum of minutes lost to strikes in Scotland over last 10 years, with six registered bridge strikes in that time.

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Work to install the beams during nightshift work which is scheduled to take place between 20:00 to 08:00 over the course of a week from 19th March:

• Saturday 19th March – Nightshift (Balgreen Road Closed)

• Sunday 20th March to Thursday 24th Nightshift (Balgreen Road Single Lane Closures)

• Saturday 26th March – Nightshift (Balgreen Road Closed)

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "The beam will provide protection to a bridge which has a history of being struck by vehicles whose drivers do not observe the height restriction warning signs that are clearly visible on the structure and on the approach to it.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this essential work which is necessary to protect the structure as part of our commitment to provide a safe and reliable railway."

Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained at all times. A diversion for vehicles has been agreed with the local authority and will be in place during the overnight road closures.