ONE of the main routes into Old Kilpatrick will be cut off next month thanks to a major roads project.

Work will be carried out on the A814 rail bridge near Roman Crescent between February 2 and March 8.

The route will be reduced to one lane from January 13 and is expected to be closed entirely for nearly two weeks from February 6 to 17, forcing significant diversions for drivers.

But area MSP Gil Paterson and community councillors have been warning for months about the disruption in particular to the 1/A/B/E First Bus services through Old Kilpatrick and Bowling.

Mr Paterson said Network Rail, who are responsible for the bridge, should be supporting an alternative shuttle bus during the works.

The rail operator said the bridge was “beginning to erode” but they don’t have funds to replace bus services.

A spokesman said: “The work wis vital to the safety of both road and rail users.

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“We understand the inconvenience this project will cause some members of the community, and unfortunately it is just not possible to carry-out such a complex piece of work without a short-term closure of the road.”

Mr Paterson told the Post: “I condemn Network Rail’s refusal to fund a replacement bus service while it disrupts lifeline bus services in my constituency.

“Members of the public are right to be angered as they will be marooned from services they rely on.

“It is especially damaging in these cold and dark wintry days for elderly people, the disabled and other vulnerable members of the public.

“Local businesses will also be negatively affected from this withdrawal of customers traversing this busy bus route.

“I renew my call for Network Rail to fund the shuttle bus and show some accountability for the lengthy disruption it will cause.”

First Bus said they had no choice but to divert the services and will make sure passengers are aware of the changes in advance.

An SPT spokeswoman said they are still hopeful for a solution to the problem.

She said: “SPT has made every effort to appeal to all the main stakeholders involved to consider funding a shuttle bus to operate for the duration of the bridge works.

“Unfortunately at this time, no funding has been forthcoming. We will continue to work with all the main parties to look at options ahead of the road closure in February.”