BAM has achieved another key milestone in the delivery of a £15m new station at East Linton in East Lothian with the installation of a new footbridge spanning the busy East Coast Mainline.

The work, delivered on behalf of Network Rail, was carried out across two nightshifts, to maneuver five bridge sections and four A-frame sections into position.

Using a 500-tonne crane, the footbridge was successfully positioned between the two new lift shafts which were installed in late-August. The main bridge span, which was the largest section, was 17.8 metres long, 4.3 metres wide and weighed 25 tonnes.

A trial build of the structure was carried out within the Lanarkshire Welding yard a few days prior to the installation. This allowed the team to make some final adjustments prior to the installation weekend, to ensure a smooth operation.

The structure was dismantled and transported to site, where the installation was undertaken over the East Coast Main Line when no trains were running overnight. Stairs for the new footbridge will be installed in November.

The plans for East Linton will see the construction of a two-platform station with 128 car parking spaces. The station itself will be fully accessible with the lifts and a new footbridge connecting both platforms and access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Completion of the station will see trains call at the East Lothian village for the first time in more than half a century.

Nissar Mohammed, BAM Nuttall Operations Director for Rail, said:

“BAM is delighted to be involved in the expansion of Scotland’s railway, and the installation of the new footbridge brings the re-opening of East Linton station one step closer.”

“Working above the East Coast Main Line, and facing some challenging weather conditions, the close collaboration of our team and their meticulous preparation were essential in ensuring a safe, successful, on-time installation, without disruption to rail services.”