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Thursday 30 Nov 2017

Access improvements planned for Stirling station

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail will shortly submit a planning application for work at Stirling station, including creating step-free access to all platforms.

The planned enhancements will be delivered as part of the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa (SDA) Electrification Project.

The electrification work, which includes the electrification of the railway through Stirling station, has also provided Network Rail and Transport Scotland with the opportunity to improve access arrangements, particularly to platform 9.

The scope of the works includes:
• Platform works
• Electrification of all lines passing through the station
• Canopy alterations
• Alterations to the two footbridges within the station.

Step-free access will be created by replacing the footbridge between platforms 6 & 9 with a fully accessible structure. The height of the existing footbridge between platforms 2 & 3 will also be raised.

Timescales for the work are subject to securing the required permissions, but would be expected to be completed in 2019.

Iain McFarlane, route delivery director for Network Rail, said: “The current access arrangements at Stirling station are far from perfect and the SDA electrification project has provided an opportunity to make improvements to the station.

"The electrification of our railway will allow us to run faster, longer, greener trains and cut journey times while increasing the number of seats available for passengers. This application is a further step forward in our plan to build the best railway Scotland’s ever had.”

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy Jobs and Fair Work, said: “Today’s news that Network Rail are to seek planning permission for a fully accessible footbridge at Stirling Station is welcome news for passengers, and for myself, who have long sought a solution to this matter. The new footbridge will finally enable much needed step-free access to all platforms within the historic station for passengers, including those travelling to and from stations on the Alloa line.

“I look forward to seeing the station improvements, which will be delivered as part of Scottish Government-funded electrification of the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa lines, and the introduction of the faster, cleaner more comfortable new class 385 electric trains.”