THE bridge at the South Gyle train station in Edinburgh is set to be rebuilt as part of a project to electrify trains between Haymarket and Dalmeny, just south of the Forth Rail Bridge.
The works will mean that the car park for the station and the bridge across the railway are entirely closed from 24 November to 5 December while a crane is installed and the new bridge put in place.
Cars will not be allowed to use the facilities at any time during these works, but pedestrian access will be maintained using a temporary footbridge.
This is part of a larger project to electrify the train lines between Haymarket and Dalmeny, which in turn will contribute to the Scottish Government's plans to decarbonise passenger rail services across the country.
The road across the bridge will be closed to cars during the works and a pedestrian diversion to platform one, across the temporary bridge, will be in place.
Cranes will be utilised during the works and marshals will be in place on either side of the temporary bridge to advise pedestrians while crane lifts are taking place.
The project to electrify the Haymarket-Dalmeny line is slated to continue, at different points in the line, in late January.
Network Rail has said that the new bridge at South Gyle station is an essential part of these wider electrification works but appreciate the patience of locals while they complete the project.
A spokesperson for Network Rail Scotland said: "Work will soon begin to install a new bridge over South Gyle Road, which will support the future introduction of electric trains between Haymarket and Dalmeny.
"These improvements are a key part of the Fife electrification project, aiming to modernise Scotland's railway and deliver a more reliable and sustainable service for passengers.
"We appreciate everyone's patience while these important upgrades take place and for following the temporary parking and pedestrian arrangements to help keep the area safe during construction."
Railways are electrified using overhead lines, electric locomotives, or conductor rails, providing much greater energy efficiency, lower emissions, and lower operating costs.
Railway electrification is not a new technology, having been around since the 19 century.
The push to electrify British railways has been long, slow, and laborious throughout the 20 and 21 centuries, however, stalling after the privatisation of British rail in the 1990s.
In Scotland, just 40% of the railway network is electrified, with most of the electrification being clustered in the Central Belt.
ScotRail is, however, legally bound as a public entity to achieve carbon net zero on Scotland's railways, with plans for the entire network to be electrified in the coming decades.
Passengers are being warned that disruption is expected on LNER, ScotRail, Caledonian Sleeper, and Cross Country services north from Haymarket between January 17 and January 25, when work on the Haymarket-Dalmeny electrification project will be completed.