Network Rail has installed a new footbridge as part of the £15m East Linton station development.

The work was carried out by contractor Bam Nuttall, across two nightshifts, to manoeuvre five bridge sections and four A-frame sections into position.

Using a 500-tonne crane, the footbridge was successfully positioned between the two new lift shafts which were installed in late-August. The main bridge span, which was the largest section, was 17.8 metres long, 4.3 metres wide and weighed 25 tonnes. 

A trial build of the structure was carried out within the Lanarkshire Welding yard a few days prior to the installation. This allowed the team to make some final adjustments prior to the installation weekend to ensure a smooth operation.  The structure was dismantled and transported to site where the installation was undertaken over the East Coast Main Line when no trains were running overnight.

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The plans for East Linton will see the construction of a two-platform station on the East Coast Mainline, with 128 car parking spaces. The station itself will be fully accessible with the lifts and a new footbridge connecting both platforms and access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Stairs for the new footbridge will be installed in November.

Completion of the station will see trains call at the East Lothian village for the first time in more than half a century.

PJ Trainer, Network Rail scheme project manager for the East Linton station development said: "With the installation of the new footbridge, the project team has achieved another key element of the station development.

"There was a huge effort by the team to complete the installation within a short space of time, despite the challenging weather conditions, to ensure minimum disruption to the East Coast Main Line.

"The team will now continue with works on the wider station development, with the new stairs from the footbridge to the platforms due to be installed November."