A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of Cardenden station, with a new £5 million footbridge successfully lifted into place as part of the wider programme to modernise and electrify Fife's railway network.
Drone footage captured over the weekend shows the substantial steel structure being installed above the railway, marking significant progress on a project that will improve accessibility and support the introduction of new battery-electric trains.
Once completed, the bridge will provide step-free access between platforms via two new lifts, making journeys easier for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as those travelling with luggage, bicycles or prams.
The replacement bridge has been built higher than the existing structure to accommodate the overhead line equipment required for railway electrification. These wires will supply power to a new fleet of battery-electric trains set to be introduced across Fife in the coming years.
With the main steel span now in place, Network Rail teams will move on to the next phase of the project, including fitting out the bridge, installing the lifts and carrying out testing and commissioning work ahead of its planned opening in spring next year.
The existing footbridge will remain operational until the new structure is ready for passenger use, after which the old bridge will be removed.
Michael McArthur, Project Manager at Network Rail Scotland, said:
“Cardenden has served passengers for nearly 180 years, and the old footbridge will be familiar to the generations of people who travel to and from the station.
“The railway is changing though, and we need to make sure our stations change with it. The new bridge will help us create a more accessible, modern environment while preparing the railway for electrification.
“It’s great to see this transformation taking shape and we hope passengers will really feel the benefit when it opens.”
The bridge installation forms part of the Scottish Government's £311.5 million investment to electrify 118km of railway across Fife. The programme will enable the deployment of battery-electric rolling stock, reducing reliance on diesel traction and helping to lower railway emissions while delivering quieter and more sustainable journeys for passengers.
The project represents another step forward in Scotland's wider rail decarbonisation strategy, improving both infrastructure and passenger accessibility while preparing the network for future technological advancements.
Image credit: Network Rail
Video credit: Network Rail
