DECK beams on the Kerse Road Bridge have been installed earlier than anticipated, says Network Rail.

All 14 of the 21metre beams, which weight between 30t and 50t, were craned into position between Saturday, July 21, and Thursday, July 26 – with works limited to night time.

The bridge is out of action and is being completely rebuilt as part of ongoing railway electrification works.

The old bridge was sitting too low and the structure has to be raised for clearance.

Iain McFarlane, Network Rail’s route delivery director for the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa project said: “We are delighted that this stage of the work to land the beams has gone so well and has been completed earlier than anticipated.

“The weather has been favourable and we took advantage of the conditions to make good progress on the bridge.

“Craning in the beams represent an important milestone as it’s the first steps to reinstating a bridge over the railway on Kerse Road.

“With the 14 beams in position, we can see the structure really taking shaping, as the new bridge emerges from the site.

“The beams going in is the latest in a series of critical steps towards reinstating the bridge; including the successful demolition of the old bridge in April, the installation of 88 piled foundations and construction of the new east and west abutments to support the new deck beams.

“I would like to take this opportunity to again thank residents and the wider Stirling community for their continued patience as we complete this important element of the bridge reconstruction.”

Once the new bridge is complete, it will be wide enough for a potential third lane to be added.