Remedial work needed on £85m line

Remedial work is being done to increase clearance heights

About 20% of the track on the new Alloa-Kincardine rail line does not meet Network Rail specifications, it has emerged.

A 12-week programme of remedial work has now begun to correct height and design flaws on the £85m track, which opened in May last year.

Contractor First Nuttall said the work was "normal practice" after a period of settlement on the track.

However, critics said it was further proof of the project's mismanagement.

Noise generated by night time coal wagons going to Longannet power station has already attracted widespread condemnation among householders living near the track and local politicians.

First Nuttall embarked on maintenance work to remedy the track's flaws on 20 June. The work is scheduled to run through the night over 12 weekends.

There were also issues regarding the design of the track on the railway which needed to be addressed to ensure it met industry standards Network Rail

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dr Richard Simpson, who is campaigning against the freight noise, said the remedial work was further disruption for locals.

He added: "As far as I know the work is mostly to do with the height of the line under bridges. But what really angers me is that Transport Scotland and I have had meetings to look at the noise reports from freight traffic and they have failed to mention this work to me.

"If 20% of the line is found not to be up to standard then that inevitably raises questions about other aspects."

The work is being done to increase clearance under bridges for passing trains.

In a statement Network Rail said: "The line was brought into the network under a temporary gauging certificate due to reduced clearances on several bridges.

"There were also issues regarding the design of the track on the railway which needed to be addressed to ensure it met industry standards."

'Original design'

First Nuttall indicated the costs of improving the line fell within the original contract and would not require additional cash from the taxpayer.

A spokesman added: "It is normal practice to do follow up tamping after a period of circa 9-12 months following the completion of major construction/renewals works such as Stirling Alloa Kincardine line reopening works.

"This is to remove the natural settlement which occurs during the initial period of traffic using the route."

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said the work was "commonplace for major construction projects".

He added: "During the construction of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine line the contractor needed to amend the original approved design due to actual ground conditions on site.

"The types of changes made can occur in any construction project where it is more practical and cost effective to vary from the original design in order to ensure the most appropriate construction techniques are applied."