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Thursday 23 Oct 2025

Planned weekend closure of Stevenston level crossing for vital upgrade

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Stevenston level crossing is set to close for one weekend in November to allow Network Rail to carry out an essential upgrade to the road barriers.  

The work, which takes place between Saturday 8 and Monday 10 November, will help ensure the crossing remains safe and reliable for the 2,000 people who use it every day. 

The closure will begin in the early hours of Saturday and continue until Monday morning. During this time, vehicles will be diverted via Caledonian Road, Dubbs Road and the B780. A temporary pedestrian footbridge will be available at Stevenston station, with staff on hand to assist anyone who needs help crossing. 

There will be short periods when the footbridge cannot be used to allow engineering trains to pass, with pedestrians asked to plan ahead and follow the same diversion route as vehicles if they need to cross. These times are Saturday between 2am and 6am, Sunday between 4.30pm and 10.30pm, and Monday between 1.30am and 5.20am. 

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We know how important the level crossing is to the Stevenston community, and we’re committed to keeping it safe and reliable for everyone who uses it. This upgrade will help ensure the barrier system continues to operate smoothly and safely for years to come. 

“We’ve worked closely with our partners to make sure alternative routes and pedestrian access are in place where possible. We understand that closing a level crossing, even for a short time, can be disruptive and we’re really grateful to local residents for their patience and understanding while we carry out this upgrade.” 

The level crossing work is part of a wider programme of improvements taking place along the Largs line while it’s closed. Other teams will be carrying out drainage repairs at Largs station, clearing vegetation, inspecting the track and signalling equipment, and maintaining overhead lines. 

During the closure, trains between Glasgow Central and Largs will only run as far as Kilwinning. From there, buses replace trains between Kilwinning and Largs, calling at Stevenston, Saltcoats, Ardrossan South Beach, West Kilbride and Fairlie. There will also be no trains between Glasgow Central and Ardrossan Harbour, but direct buses will run between Glasgow Central and Ardrossan harbour to connect with ferry sailings. 

 Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “While Network Rail carries out this vital upgrade at Stevenston level crossing, our priority is to keep customers moving and ensure everyone can complete their journey with confidence. 

“We’ll provide clear information to help people plan ahead, with a rail replacement plan in place between Kilwinning and Largs, and between Glasgow Central and Ardrossan to connect with ferry sailings. 

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers, and the local community, while this important work to improve the reliability and safety of the line is completed.” 

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