Murdo Fraser MSP has welcomed a “long-awaited” move to raise the height of platforms at Dunkeld and Birnam Rail Station.
The Scottish Conservative politician was reacting to the announcement from Network Rail, which states that on site work will begin on January 13, with the main works starting on January 20.
Passengers at Dunkeld and Birnam currently have to take a significant step up from the platforms to get on or off trains. The £3 million work will raise the height of both platforms to improve accessibility for all those using the station and especially passengers with reduced mobility, with luggage, or those travelling with children.
The 20-week programme of works is due to be completed by May 31 and will see part of each platform be kept open and hoardings erected on the station platforms whilst the work takes place.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I am delighted that this long-awaited issue will finally be resolved. This has dragged on for many years for passengers with mobility problems, and I know many rail passengers were very disappointed at the lack of action to rectify it. The new raised platform lengths will be 150 metres (Platform 1) and 120 metres (Platform 2), which Network Rail say can accommodate all ScotRail scheduled services.
“I must praise the sterling efforts of the Dunkeld and Birnam Station Community Group, the wider community, and local elected representatives, who have pushed for something to be done at the rail station regarding access for passengers with mobility difficulties. Network Rail have promised to keep the community and passengers informed throughout these works with regular updates.
“I know it will come as a great relief to the Dunkeld and Birnam Station Community Group and local residents that this long-standing issue is being dealt with. We’ve had Transport Ministers vising the rail station in recent years so it is good that the Scottish Government and Network Rail have finally taken a decision to raise the height of Platforms 1 and 2 at the station.”
Mr Fraser added: “Network Rail have said there will be increased noise and disruption for residents living near the rail station during the works but have stated that no lighting will directly face towards houses to the rear of Platform 2 and that they will be using white noise reversing beacons to try to reduce the impact of the noise. They also said that they will be monitoring noise levels during the works.”
