EFFORTS to improve disabled access for Clacks train passengers is continuing this weekend with the return of the iron footbridge to Platform 9.

The structure has now been renovated and will be lifted back into place this weekend, with trains between Alloa and Stirling substituted for buses throughout Sunday, May 5.

Customers should note that the temporary replacement on site will continue as the access point while additional works surrounding the old bridge and new lift are completed.

The battle to make Stirling Railway Station fully accessible goes back more than a decade with Alloa Community Council making representations on behalf of disabled residents in the area.

A large proportion of services leaving Alloa arrive at the Platform 9, but the only way to reach the main station concourse from there was via the staircase and footbridge.

As a result, any passenger unable to walk up stairs was effectively left stranded, and relying on staff members or fellow passengers for assistance.

The Alloa Advertiser worked alongside Alloa Community Council to highlight the issue and last year Network Rail announced it would install a lift on Platform 9 as part of ongoing electrification works.

The refurbished lattice footbridge will be reinstalled higher above the rails to accommodate the newly electrified line underneath.

Kenny MacDonald, Network Rail’s programme manager for the project, said: “This weekend is an important milestone in our work to improve access at the station while accommodating the space we need beneath the bridge for the electrified railway to run safely.

“Once complete, Stirling station will have full step free access across all platforms – which will be a huge step-forward in improving the travelling experience at the station for those with restricted mobility or travelling with luggage or prams, bikes or buggies.

“While it may be inconvenient in the short term, we thank station users and the lineside communities for their patience as we deliver this important element of the project.”

To allow the bridge to be lifted in safely, Forthside Way will be closed to traffic on both Saturday and Sunday to enable the construction and dismantling of the crane as well as the lifting operation itself.

The operation will be conducted overnight and throughout Sunday when trains are not running on the line between Stirling and Alloa.

Passengers travelling between Stirling and Alloa on Sunday May 5 should leave extra time for travel, and plan ahead. Further information is available at scotrail.co.uk as well as on the ScotRail app.