AN ABANDONED rail bridge could be given a new lease of life as part of new proposed active travel links between Clacks and Stirling.

The piers of the old Alloa Swing Bridge, which used to link the town with Throsk on the opposite side of the Forth to the south, are still in place today and they could support a walking and cycling path in the future.

The proposal is revealed in outline plans for "world-class transformational projects" which will connect parts of the Wee County and Stirling while promoting active travel, primarily as part of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling City Deal.

Council documents to be tabled for Clackmannanshire Council's Place Committee on Thursday, May 20, showcase the "proposed link to south Alloa via bridge" – with a map placing this at the location of the former swing bridge that used to support rail traffic.

UPDATE: The bridge is understood to be a Clacks Council proposal in the early stages.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: The old railway bridge stretches from Throsk to AlloaThe old railway bridge stretches from Throsk to Alloa

A spokeswoman for the local authority said: "The Alloa Swing Bridge is one of a range of projects which form part of the Councils 'Connected Clackmannanshire' Active Travel programme.
"The project is still at the very early stages and there are a number of other factors to consider including funding etc. before it is taken forward."

The Alloa Swing Bridge was in use between 1885 and 1968, carrying both passenger and freight traffic, both of which declined in the 1960s.

By 1971, the connecting lines and the deck were dismantled, but the piers and abutments remain to this day.

The Place Committee is set to endorse the Wee County side of the wider plans at its meeting this week.

Council papers to be tabled said: "The essence of the plan is to ensure we have all of our towns, villages and schools connected by an active travel network that will promote walking and cycling wherever possible.

"By increasing the connectivity of our settlements to schools we have brought about significant health benefits both mental and physical to our community.

"The recent projects at Lornshill Academy – Sauchie and Glen Ochil, and the extension of the Alva Cycleway have physically demonstrated the approach we are taking."

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: The glassworks in Alloa, seen from the riverbank at Throsk The glassworks in Alloa, seen from the riverbank at Throsk

A range of projects are to be submitted to develop the active travel network across Clacks and beyond.

They include new paths and increased connectivity between Stirling and Alloa, including the bridge over the Forth and a link to Causewayhead in Stirling.

The cycle network would also see major extensions from Clackmannan to Dollar and Muckhart as well as better links between the Hillfoots and the University of Stirling.

Funding is not only available as part of the city deal, but also from a pot of money set aside for improvement projects ahead of Scotland hosting the World Cycle Championships in 2023.

With things to do and see along the way, it is hoped Connected Clackmannanshire will also be able to support and complement plans to develop tourism in the area – also part of the city deal.