STRATHBUNGO residents are being asked to help choose a new footbridge to replace the current crossing.
The existing bridge, connecting Darnley Road with Moray Place, will no longer be suitable once the line is electrified.
Network Rail says the historic structure will be offered to a museum or heritage charity and replaced with one of three alternative designs.
Strathbungo footbridge that connects Darnley Road and Moray Place in Strathbungo over a railway line Picture: Colin Mearns
But locals have raised issues that none of the three new designs are wheelchair accessible.
The East Kilbride Enhancement project is part of the Scottish Government’s Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan, which will increase capacity on the railway while being more environmentally friendly.
Strathbungo footbridge that connects Darnley Road and Moray Place in Strathbungo over a railway line Picture: Colin Mearns
The present footbridge has an open, latticed design that means, once the line is electrified, there would not be a safe enough barrier between the electric current passing through the power cables suspended above the railway and the people using the footbridge.
Network Rail said that there have been incidents in the past where people have dropped or dangled objects over the side of bridges, these have come into contact with the electricity and injuries have been caused – including fatalities.
Strathbungo footbridge that connects Darnley Road and Moray Place in Strathbungo over a railway line Picture: Colin Mearns
In response to questions about accessibility, the company said the footbridge cannot be made fully accessible due to the lack of space on surrounding roads, particularly Moray Place.
There is not sufficient room for ramps and, they said, there is an accessible way over the railway bridge 50m away at Nithsdale Road.
Strathbungo footbridge that connects Darnley Road and Moray Place in Strathbungo over a railway line Picture: Colin Mearns
A Network Rail spokesman said: “The footbridge’s open design means it does not meet safety standards for an electrified railway as there would not be a suitable barrier between the users of the bridge and the electric power cables over the tracks.
Strathbungo footbridge that connects Darnley Road and Moray Place in Strathbungo over a railway line Picture: Colin Mearns
“We are currently looking at options for the structure and would encourage local residents to engage with us and let us know what they think of the suggested designs for a new bridge.”
Strathbungo footbridge
Of the three options open to residents to vote for, one has a high metal rail on top and a lattice frame overlaid on toughened glass to make a visually open parapet.
Strathbungo footbridge
The second uses metal “fins” of graduating height and the third is described as a “modified standard bridge design which uses metal latticework of a contrasting colour to reflect the heritage of the previous footbridge, soften appearance of the solid parapet and add interest.”
Strathbungo footbridge
Work is expected to begin in summer next year.
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