New £5m footbridge takes shape at Cardenden station

Work is progressing to install a new £5m footbridge at Cardenden station as part of the project to electrify and modernise the railway in Fife.

Drone footage from the weekend shows the new steel structure being lifted into place above the tracks.  

When complete, the bridge will provide step free access between platforms with two new lifts, making it easier for passengers with reduced mobility or those travelling with luggage or prams.  

It has been built higher than the existing structure to make room for overhead wires through the station. These will provide power for new battery-electric trains being introduced in Fife in the coming years.  

Now the new structure is in place, teams will focus on fitting out the bridge and installing and commissioning the lifts ahead of it opening to passengers in Spring next year. 

The old footbridge, which remains in use for now, will be removed when the new one opens. 

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 Scottish Government is investing £311.5m to electrify 118km of the railway in Fife and introduce new battery-electric trains, reducing reliance on diesel and helping cut emissions. It’ll mean quieter, more sustainable journeys for passengers.