Network Rail launch revised Forth Bridge Experience plans

NETWORK Rail has submitted a planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council for revised proposals to install a bridge walk and visitor hub at the iconic Forth Bridge.

The refreshed proposals include a single-storey reception hub to the east of the structure, which is ‘sympathetically’ positioned in the landscape.

The rail management firm said it will offer ‘stunning’ views of the iconic heritage structure while minimising the impact on the surrounding environment.

The submission of the full planning application follows a public engagement exercise held in autumn 2021 to gather feedback from residents which helped to inform the final designs.

The proposals would see construction of a bridge walk and reception hub on the South Queensferry side of the UNESCO World Heritage site, which plans show would be used for preparing those heading out on the bridge walk as well as providing an access point to the structure.

Groups of between 12 and 15 people will put on safety harnesses before being led out onto the bridge’s south cantilever, walking up to a viewing point at the top using walkways built into the structure.

Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s director of engineering and asset management, said, “We have worked very hard over the past year to draw up revised proposals, making them more affordable and more sympathetic to the surrounding environment without compromising the appeal of this project. The plans we have submitted to deliver a bridge walk experience will offer the public a unique chance to explore this world-famous structure and create another exciting tourist attraction for Scotland.”