The new Maybole Station Bridge has been formally opened, completing a range of refurbishment work that has been undertaken and upgrading the area to become a multi-modal transport centre.

Councillor Andy Hill, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, and local elected member for the North Carrrick and Maybole East ward in which the bridge is located, performed the ribbon cutting to signal the opening of the £400,000 bridge.

Addressing an important assembly of guests at the opening, including representatives from the Scottish Government, Network Rail and FirstScotrail, Councillor Hill said: "The new bridge has been built as part of the South Ayrshire Transport Initiative Integrated Local Transport Strategy.

"When the strategy was published in 2001, it was proposed that the existing railway stations at Barrhill, Girvan, Maybole, Newton-on-Ayr, Prestwick Town and Troon would be redeveloped into multi-modal travel stations each providing a 'one-stop shop' for journeys by rail, bus, walking, cycling, taxis and car.

"I am delighted that Maybole Station has recently been upgraded to multi-modal status, with a range of important refurbishment work now complete.

"Most importantly, the work has included the replacement of the old bridge, which was built in 1880, with a new one which is fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. The new bridge provides access for wheelchair users, people pushing prams, the elderly and those for which stairs are not a suitable means of access.

"The cost of all the multi-modal station schemes in South Ayrshire has been met from Public Transport Fund Grant awarded to the Council by the Scottish Government, for which I personally would like to extend sincere thanks."

The enhancement works at Maybole Station have cost in the region of £550,000, with the bridge replacement works alone costing around £400,000. The station and adjoining car park are owned by Network Rail, and leased to First ScotRail, the train and station operating company.

Councillor Hill told the assembled guests: "Before formally declaring the bridge open, I would like to express my appreciation to both Network Rail and First ScotRail who have co-operated with us so well in facilitating all the necessary operational work associated with building the bridge."

Continued Councillor Hill: " I would also like to acknowledge the actual construction work of Barr Ltd, who in fulfilling their contract, kept any disruption to train passengers to an absolute minimum - with no trains being disrupted by the work. And I would like to congratulate my own Council staff who have overseen the entire project."

The old footbridge, which was built in 1880, was approaching the end of its working life and was considered to be beyond economic repair.

The new footbridge, which was designed by the Council's Structures Section, is fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. In order to enhance the appearance of the new bridge a few of the features of the old Victorian Bridge have been incorporated within the new structure. This includes the trellis work on the main span and the decorative arch features on the main trestle supports.

The new bridge has been painted in Strathclyde Passenger Transport colours to complement the station building and other features and signage within the station complex.

The station and adjoining car park are owned by Network Rail, and leased to First ScotRail, the train and station operating company. In order to ensure the safe operation of trains and at the same time safeguard rail passengers, the design of the new footbridge and all operations during construction were subject to the approval of Network Rail. For safety reasons it was necessary to carry out a number of operations during the night when no trains were running. (e.g. demolishing the old bridge, lifting the main span of the new bridge and elevated ramps into position.)

The contract for the construction the new footbridge and associated works was won through competitive tendering by Barr Ltd. The works commenced on 4th June this year with the removal of the old bridge. The steelwork for the new bridge was fabricated and painted off-site before being lifted into position using a heavy mobile crane located in the station car park.