Watch drone footage as Uddingston station bridge is moved into place by huge cranes

The new 75-tonne accessible footbridge structure is now in place at Uddingston station after being hoisted into place by massive cranes in a remarkable overnight operation.

Network Rail engineers worked through the night to install the steel structures, consisting of lift towers on each of the two platforms, staircases and a 15-tonne bridge deck to cross above the railway line.

Staff say completion of the successful manoeuvre was “a huge achievement”; and are now continuing work so that the first passengers will be able to use the new facilty in June after removal of the existing step-access bridge.

Engineers used a 230-tonne crane and another weighing 60 tonnes to lift the superstructure into place, and captured some unique drone footage of the bridge components being moved through the air and into position at the station.

The movement work was carried out overnight last Saturday, March 23, with Network Rail, principal contractor Story and Scotrail, British Transport Police and South Lanarkshire Council all working together on the project on the busy west coast main line.

Uddingston station’s car park was closed for four days to allow the vital phase of the accessibility project, which has been underway since November, to take place.

Network Rail scheme project manager Susan Menmuir said: “Delivering a structure of this size onto the platform is a huge achievement; we’ve worked collaboratively to ensure this was done safely and on time.

“Working through the night provides the safest environment for our teams to work in and the least disruption for passengers. We thank the public for their co-operation and understanding while the car park was closed to allow these crucial works.

“There is still a lot to do before passengers will be able to use the footbridge and the lifts, but we hope everyone living nearby and using the station is pleased with the progress so far and is looking forward to the benefits of having a fully accessible station.”

The station’s existing bridge still remains in operation and will continue to be used until June, when it will be removed and the new accessible structure officially opened for public use.

Uddingston community representatives congratulated Network Rail on meeting the “important milestone”, with ward councillor Kenny McCreary saying the Network Rail and contractor staff “consulted with residents, local groups and elected members throughout the work, and their communication was first class”.

He added: “The work has been completed on schedule and will support those with mobility issues, with small children and those with luggage through installation of a lift to allow access to both platforms.”

Councillor McCreary also noted that the railway work has been “sympathetic” to the work of volunteer horticultural group Grow Uddingston.

Uddingston community council representative Michael Hart agreed: “We look forward to Network Rail and Grow Uddingston working together to bring the station back to being one of the prettiest in Scotland.”

Latest updates on the work are available by following @NetworkRailScot on X (formerly Twitter) or by calling the 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

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