Network Rail has announced the successful removal of the old footbridge at Port Glasgow Station, marking the final step in station accessibility works.

The old footbridge had connected platforms one and two at the station but was taken out of use in December 2023, at the same time as the new fully accessible footbridge and lifts opened.

During the weekend, Network Rail teams worked to remove the staircase and tower on platform 1.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, the bridge deck (middle part of the bridge), weighing 15 tonnes, was lifted off and placed on a trombone trailer, with the help of a 500-tonne crane set up in the Highholm Avenue park-and-ride car park.

It was all part of the £5m ‘Access for All' project to provide step-free access at the station, making it easier for those with limited mobility or travelling with children, luggage or cycles to move between the platforms.

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Laura Craig, Network Rail's scheme project manager for the Port Glasgow Access for All project, said: "We are delighted with how the bridge removal went last weekend. This was another successful step in what has been an extremely well-organised and well-delivered project.

"Our work is a great example of Scotland's Railway working together effectively. We were able to schedule the bridge to be removed while the line was closed due to work taking place on the Inverclyde line to help minimise disruption for passengers.

"Again, we would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding during the work."

Paul Shopp, Project Manager with STORY Contracting who have helped deliver the scheme, said: "The removal and demolition of the existing footbridge signifies another key milestone and moves us one step closer to completing what will be a fantastic project and asset for the local community.

"Collaborative working and diligent planning with our supply chain and Network Rail created a safe environment for this work to be executed over a single weekend, helping to minimise disruption on Scotland's Railway.

"A special thank you to the local community and commuters for their patience over the last 12 months as we carry out this work."

Train services returned to operate as normal at Port Glasgow on Tuesday before closing again at the weekend (Sunday 18 to Monday 19 February), when the final main works will be carried out on the project. This includes resurfacing works on both platforms and rendering work to the station wall before all equipment and scaffolding is removed.