DUNBAR Railway Station’s £13million new second platform and fully accessible footbridge were officially opened to passengers last Tuesday, December 17.

A commemorative plaque was unveiled and safety posters designed by pupils from Dunbar Primary School were revealed, which will be on display at the station.

As well as the new 271-metre platform and footbridge, the project also included the renewal of overhead power line equipment and the installation of new information screens and new waiting shelters.

The new platform, located to the south of the railway line, provides increased capacity and improves operational flexibility at Dunbar, as until now all northbound and southbound services had had to use the same platform.

Northbound services will now use the new platform and it will also allow train companies on the East Coast Main Line to operate more services in future.

Already, Dunbar residents can now catch an additional late evening train home from Edinburgh thanks to the new development.

A new Transpennine Express service leaves Edinburgh at 10.15pm and stops at Dunbar at 10.51pm before continuing to Newcastle via Berwick.

Jacquie Bell, vice-chair of Dunbar and East Linton Local Area Partnership and a Dunbar community councillor, said: “As a community rail campaigner and local train traveller, this new second platform and the opportunities it offers for rail travellers from Dunbar and District is very welcome. Let us all make the most of it.

“The need for further improvements to Dunbar rail services has been evidenced by the increasing population and by the large number of commuters to Edinburgh – not just from the town but from surrounding villages.

“The commitment by Network Rail to the provision and delivery of the new second platform, the bridge and lifts has been most welcome as a further step on the journey to rejuvenate local rail services.”

Allison Cosgrove, secretary of Rail Action Group East of Scotland (RAGES), told the Courier: “We welcome Transpennine Express providing this late-night service to Dunbar and Berwick, which will allow residents to enjoy facilities in the city later in the evening.”

Network Rail and main contractor Amco have been working since May to construct the second platform and a fully-accessible steel footbridge, with two lift towers.

Kris Kinnear, Network Rail Scotland capital delivery director, said: “We are delighted to have completed this investment in Dunbar station on-time, to budget and without disruption to services.

“The second platform will greatly increase operational flexibility at Dunbar – allowing more trains to use the station in the future.

“We are also grateful to the local community for the support and understanding they have shown the project team during this work.”

Bill Reeve, director of rail for Transport Scotland, said: “This is an exciting time in rail.

“The £13 million investment here at Dunbar is just one example of the work we are doing to increase capacity to meet future demand.

“The support of the local community, alongside the partnership approach taken by Network Rail and their contractor Amco, has been vital to successfully completing the works here at Dunbar.”