Rail chaos warning over Forth Bridge closure

Published on Sunday 24 July 2005 01:23

TRAIN passengers face lengthy delays when the Forth Bridge shuts for eight days, the longest period in the landmark's 115-year history, from today.

Network Rail said the closure of the iconic structure, for essential maintenance work and painting, will force the reorganisation of transport services across the country.

Rail authorities apologised for taking the crossing out of action, but said it was necessary to allow staff to work safely on steel close to the track, insisting that this weekend was one of the quietest times of the year.

Officials said that as much as 60% of First ScotRail's timetable, mainly in the Fife area, would be hit.

The 13m facelift, being carried out by 170 workers, involves blasting off old paint and carrying out repairs, before giving the crossing a new coating designed to last 30 years.

The overhaul will also involve strengthening steel work and repairs on Jamestown Viaduct in a separate 5m investment.

First ScotRail's managing director Mary Dickson said Fife commuters would find a dramatic change to their services, with a mixture of trains and buses being put on to cope with the disruption.

The company has arranged alternative routes for services between Edinburgh and Aberdeen or Inverness, as well as having devised a new timetable for Fife.

About 450 trains will have their working patterns altered every day, and a fleet of 85 coaches will replace trains between Edinburgh and Fife.