Transport Secretary officially opens new rail bridge

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop visited East Lothian to officially open a new bridge replacing the Markle Level Crossing.

The bridge and accompanying diversionary road near East Linton opened to traffic last month following completion of the construction project.

The ceremony on 31 July was also attended by East Lothian's Provost Councillor John McMillan (pictured below with Fiona Hyslop), council representatives including chief executive Laurence Rockey, project manager Peter Forsyth and head of development Keith Dingwall alongside Innis Keith, health, safety and environment director at Network Rail Scotland, and Glen Henderson, project manager for Balfour Beatty.

Safer crossing

The works saw the construction of a bridge to replace the level crossing along with the creation of a diversionary road at Markle Steading.

Markle Level Crossing had been one of only two remaining level crossings on Scotland’s East Coast Main Line. Its closure removed the risk to road users and the national rail network.

The new bridge will also benefit pedestrians and road traffic by removing delays caused by lowered level crossing barriers when trains are approaching.

Council-managed project

Planning permission for the works, which were fully funded by Transport Scotland and undertaken by Balfour Beatty, was granted in 2023; our council managed the project's delivery.

Ms Hyslop said: “It is great to see that the construction of a new overbridge replacing the Markle Level Crossing on the East Coast Main Line is now complete.

“The successful partnership of East Lothian Council, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, and Balfour Beatty as principal contractor has been vital, and I would like to thank all partners involved for their work in delivering this important project.”