Network Rail is advising passengers that Stevenston level crossing in North Ayrshire will close for the weekend of 8-10 November while it carries out work to upgrade the crossing’s road barriers.

The work will take place between the Saturday and the Monday, and will help to keep the crossing operating safely and reliably.

An average of two thousand people use the level crossing each day.

Network Rail will close the crossing in the early morning of Saturday 8 November, and it will remain closed until Monday morning. During the closure, vehicles will have to follow a diversion via Caledonian Road, Dubbs Road and the B780.

At Stevenston station, which recently had its CCTV upgraded, a temporary pedestrian footbridge will allow people to cross the railway, and staff will be available to assist anyone who needs help crossing.

However, there will be periods of time when the footbridge will not be available for pedestrians to use, as engineering trains will be passing.

These times are Saturday between 2am and 6am, Sunday between 4.30pm and 10.30pm, and Monday between 1.30am and 5.20am. Pedestrians who need to cross will have to follow the same diversion route as vehicles.

Network Rail’s work on the level crossing is part of its broader programme to improve the Largs line, which will close to allow the work to take place. The line serves communities on the north Ayrshire Coast, and branches from the Glasgow to Ayr line at Kilwinning. Largs hosts a Viking Festival each year, with ScotRail stepping up its services to get people to and from the event.

As well as the work on the level crossing, Network Rail’s engineers will also be repairing drainage at Largs station, clearing vegetation, inspecting the track and signalling equipment, and maintaining overhead lines.

Train services will be disrupted during the work, and passengers can check the impact on their journey with their train operator or the national rail website.

“We know how important the level crossing is to the Stevenston community, and we’re committed to keeping it safe and reliable for everyone who uses it. This upgrade will help ensure the barrier system continues to operate smoothly and safely for years to come.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners to make sure alternative routes and pedestrian access are in place where possible. We understand that closing a level crossing, even for a short time, can be disruptive and we’re really grateful to local residents for their patience and understanding while we carry out this upgrade.”

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland