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Friday 12 Dec 2025

£4m improvements announced for railway between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

More than £4m is being invested in the railway line between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan at the beginning of next year.  

Engineers will carry out improvements to three structures as part of Network Rail’s commitment to improving the long-term resilience and reliability of the route, helping ensure it remains a trusted transport connection. 

What’s happening? 

• Kippenross Tunnel 
  Work begins 5 January, with teams reinforcing sections of the tunnel using concrete spray to strengthen areas of deteriorated brickwork. Essential masonry repairs, improved water management, and updated signage will also be completed. 
  
  

• Bridge of Allan Footbridge 
  Maintenance starts 19 January, with a temporary closure in place from 27 February to 26 April. During this time, teams will undertake vital masonry and steel repairs, replace the timber deck, extend parapet walls, apply protective paint, and clear vegetation to maintain safe access. 
  
  

• Mill of Keir Viaduct 
  From 23 February, engineers will carry out masonry repairs and install additional steel supports to strengthen parapets and spandrel walls. Drainage points will be cleared, new signage installed, and vegetation removed to ensure long-term stability and safety. 
  
  

To allow the work to be delivered safely and efficiently, there will be changes to rail services on this route over two weekends - 28 February to 2 March and 14 to 16 March.  

Stephen Orr, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “The work is vital to maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure for everyone who uses these routes. 

“By reinforcing structures, improving drainage, and upgrading signage, we’re ensuring these assets remain fit for the future. 

“We’re also focused on sustainability, extending the life of existing structures and reducing the need for more disruptive interventions later. 

“We appreciate the patience of the local community while these essential improvements are carried out, as they will deliver long-term benefits for generations to come." 

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “When this essential improvement work takes place, our priority will be to keep customers moving and provide clear information so they can plan their journeys with confidence. 

“We’ll be working closely with Network Rail to support the safe delivery of these upgrades, which play an important role in maintaining a reliable railway and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the route. 

“Where journeys are impacted, we’ll make sure customers know what their options are, including any rail replacement transport. 

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of everyone travelling during the works, and we encourage our customers to check their journey before they travel.” 

Work to all three structures will be complete by late May.  

Passengers are encouraged to check journeys with their train operator or nationalrail.co.uk before travelling and follow @NetworkRailSCOT on X for the latest updates.