WORK has been completed on a £3.6 million project to deliver a new footbridge and lift towers at Dumfries Railway Station.
The station’s original crossing was removed as part of the project, with the new bridge featuring open railings on the staircase, a saltire design on the bridge parapet, and a curved detail on the bridge deck as a nod to the previous structure.
Weighing 51 tonnes and featuring 2,389 individual parts pieced together with 973 bolts, the accessible footbridge was installed by Network Rail and STORY Contracting using a 500-tonne and 110-tonne crane back in December 2023.
The improvements come as part of Network Rail’s access for all (AFA) project, which looks to improve accessibility at stations.An event to mark the official opening of the footbridge and lift is being planned for the coming weeks.
Paul Shopp, project manager at STORY Contracting, said, “A massive thank you to everyone involved from STORY, Network Rail, ScotRail, and our supply chain who contributed to the successful completion of the Dumfries AFA project.
“We are really proud to have played our role in delivering this transformative project that will benefit passengers at Dumfries station, our 12th access for all scheme for Scotland’s Railway.
“Our whole team worked diligently to ensure the project was completed safely and efficiently, and we are delighted to see the positive impact it will have.
“Alongside the engineering works, it was rewarding to collaborate with the local community during the project through volunteering and STEM sessions and to witness the very first passengers using the lifts.
Amanda Naughton, scheme project manager for Network Rail, added, “We are delighted to be able to provide an improved and more accessible route between platforms at Dumfries station.
“The work that has been completed will greatly enhance the experience of passengers and make it easier for them to navigate the station, while also respecting and celebrating the heritage of this beautiful station.
“We’ve worked collaboratively with our principal contractor STORY and train operator ScotRail to make sure this key activity was completed safely and on time.
“We thank the public for their cooperation, understanding and support throughout this project.”
