Councillor slams any plans to remove vital Broughty Ferry bridge and access

Councillor Craig Duncan says that Network Rail should not remove a key bridge in Broughty Ferry at the time the electrification project is implemented on the east coast rail line. The bridge gives access into central Broughty Ferry shopping area.

Councillor Duncan said:
“Numerous constituents have expressed concern about the possibility of the loss of the Fort Street bridge over the rail line when rail electrification is implemented. This is one of the key accesses into Broughty Ferry and the loss of it and any failure of Network Rail to replace it would be hugely disruptive and must be resisted at all costs.”
“We have a vibrant shopping area in Broughty Ferry and this bridge is a main access into it. It would be economic madness to remove it. Demolishing the overline road bridge on Fort Street would increase the amount of traffic using level crossing on Gray Street. It makes no sense and I would strongly oppose the loss of the Fort Street bridge.”

Councillor Duncan wrote to Network Rail to seek clarity and Heather Noller, Communications Manager at Network Rail, has replied: 

“I have now heard back from colleagues at Transport Scotland. As you will be aware, plans to electrify this part of the east coast route are currently in development.”
We’ve surveyed the structures on this route and can confirm that the bridge at Fort Street in Broughty Ferry does not have sufficient clearance for the installation of overhead electrification equipment. Should full electrification go ahead, the structure would need to be removed, subject to appropriate consents.” 
“However, as part of the design development, we’re also considering partial electrification, which would mean that not all structures would need to be raised or demolished. In terms of timescales, it is unlikely that this bridge will need to be removed in the short or medium term. We’ll keep you and other stakeholders updated as plans progress.”

Councillor Duncan added:
“Everyone realises that as we move to a world not dependent on fossil fuels, the days of diesel trains are numbered.  However, Network Rail absolutely must look at alternatives to removing key road and foot bridges over the east coast. Most electrification systems use overhead wires, but third rail is an option using DC distribution and it is a reasonable demand to ask Transport Scotland and Network Rail to look at all options.”   

“Removing key infrastructure is completely unacceptable and although it may be some years away, Transport Scotland and Network Rail must understand that the Broughty Ferry community would strongly resist the loss of the Fort Street road bridge.”