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Monday 12 Jul 2021

Road to close as work begins on new permanent rail bridge at Old Kilpatrick

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail will begin work to demolish and replace the bridge over the railway on Dumbarton Road in Old Kilpatrick, next month.

The new bridge will strengthen and safeguard the route for the long-term after the deterioration of the current structure left it unsuitable for the weight and volume of traffic which passes over it daily.

Last year, Network Rail invested £1m in building a temporary bailey bridge, which currently sits over the old structure and allows traffic to continue using the route.

Motorists are being advised to plan ahead as the bridge needs to close to all vehicular traffic from 2 August to 26 November to allow work to be completed safely and efficiently.

Vehicles will be diverted via the A82 Great Western Road while the bridge is closed but access will remain open to pedestrians until 24 September when the bridge will close completely for three weeks to allow demolition and follow-up works to take place.

Ahead of the work commencing, Network Rail is holding an online drop-in session for members of the public on Tuesday 27 July. To book a 15-minute slot to speak to members of the project team, visit https://scotlandsrailway.com/projects/old-kilpatrick/events. 

Jeremy Spence, programme manager for the bridge replacement works, said: “Our investment in the temporary bailey bridge allowed the route to remain open to traffic for the last year, however, we now need to replace the existing structure with a permanent bridge that will benefit the community in the long-term.

“We understand that there will be some disruption in the short-term to road users and nearby communities. And, while the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic until November, we are pleased that we’ll be able to keep it open to pedestrians for the vast majority of the works.

“We are very grateful to all road users and the wider community for their patience while we carry out this vital work.”

Network Rail has worked closely with West Dunbartonshire Council and other stakeholders to plan the demolition and replacement works, as well as the road closure and diversion.

If you have any questions about this work you can contact Network Rail’s 24 hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41. For latest information and progress updates follow on twitter @NetworkRailScot