Forth Bridge Experience

In 2020 Network Rail began a tender process to appoint a main contractor to design and build the new Forth Bridge Walkway Experience as part of the approved 2019 planning application.  On conclusion of that process, and following extensive discussions with Transport Scotland, it was decided that the scheme would be put on hold for further development work as it was going to cost more than anticipated.

In the original April 2020 proposals, the Reception Hub Building was located to the west of the Forth Bridge, 24 metres from the nearest residential property at Ashburnham Loan. In the new proposals, the building will be located to the east of the Forth Bridge, providing a much greater degree of separation from the existing residential properties.

The Hub Building will continue to be located on part of the brownfield site that is owned by Network Rail.

The revised proposals include a single storey steel framed building with two pitched roofs and a double-sided glass entrance. This minimal and modern construction will be sympathetically positioned in the landscape offering stunning views of the iconic heritage structure while not detracting from them.

We are in the early design stage for the current proposals; there will be further discussions with Transport Scotland, the project funder, on affordability and final designs as the proposals progress. This will inform the programme of works.

We are in the early design stage for the current proposals; there will be further discussions with Transport Scotland, the project funder, on affordability and final designs as the proposals progress.

The projected number of visitors is 85,000 per annum based on an assumption of groups of 15 people every 15 minutes at peak times.

A Transport Statement will be submitted as part of the forthcoming planning application and will clearly set out the justification for, and operation of, the visitor parking. It will demonstrate that visitors by car will be limited and controlled by a barrier system which will restrict access only to those that have pre-booked tickets. There will be no parking provision for buses or coaches.

There will be 57 car parking spaces, including 15 electric vehicle spaces and 4 disabled parking spaces, separate parking will be provided for staff. There will also be ample covered cycle parking spaces and links to the National Cycle Route and public transport journeys will be encouraged through improved links to the nearby railway station and bus stops.

The consented scheme required the removal of a number of mature trees, particularly in the western part of the site to make way for the Hub building and the associated disabled parking and turning circle. As a result of this re-design, we will be able to retain a much greater number of trees. We have also identified some trees that need to be removed because they are dangerous, diseased or dead.

A local landscape architect is revising plans which will integrate the new landscape into the existing woodland by delivering appropriate tree planting with a selective palette of native and more ornamental broadleaf trees to enhance and diversify the existing habitats.

The tree removal plans for the proposed footpath from Dalmeny station to the reception building are the same as the original proposal. The reception building will be built to the East of the bridge. Tree removal in the development site to the West of the bridge will be less than in the original design.

A new footpath will connect Dalmeny station to the location of the new bridge walk reception hub. The existing footpath will be removed and replaced with planting to provide screening for nearby residential properties.

A new footpath will be created along the existing access road from the junction with Hawes Brae to the entrance of the bridge walk reception hub.

The existing footpath network around the site will be retained and open to the public.

The planning application provides provision for a new stepped access from the visitor experience to Hawes Brae under the Forth Bridge near the existing Jacob’s Ladder. Jacob’s Ladder is not owned by Network Rail. The application also includes proposals for the replacement of the existing footbridge over the cycle path to the west of the visitor experience. These are aspirational elements which are not currently included as part of the development, but funding sources are being explored.

There will be low level lighting on the footpath from Dalmeny Station to the reception building.

Train services will not be affected during the construction work or during the operation of the walkway experience.

Whilst a significant portion of work can be undertaken during the day, there will be a requirement for some night-time working when trains are not operating. Neighbours will be notified in advance.

The opening hours will vary dependent on the time of year and weather conditions. The proposed longest opening times for the reception hub are between 08:00hrs and 22:00hrs.

A project information page is located on the Scotland’s Railway website: https://scotlandsrailway.com/projects/forth-bridge-experience.

Network Rail will also continue to engage with local stakeholders and residents.