TRAINS should be stopping at a second platform at Dunbar Railway Station by the end of November.

Construction work on the second platform, which will see westbound trains stop en route to Edinburgh, is due to get under way next month.

It is expected trains will then stop by the end of November, in time for the winter timetable, with all construction work complete at the station early in the New Year.

Representatives from Network Rail were at the town’s Bleachingfield Centre, the first of two public drop-in sessions over the last week, to discuss the proposals with members of the public.

The £15 million scheme, funded by Transport Scotland, will see the return of a second platform, near the town’s Salisbury Walk, for the first time in decades.

Amco has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver the 271-metre platform, which will also include waiting shelters and seating.

A new footbridge linking the two platforms will also be created, with lifts included for disabled access.

However, there are currently no plans for a pedestrian link to the new platform from the Hallhill side of the town, although that is something East Lothian Council is keen to see introduced in the future.

According to Network Rail, the new platform will “provide increased capacity and improve operational flexibility” on the East Coast Main Line.

Notification letters will be sent to affected neighbours ahead of construction work.

A Network Rail leaflet highlights the planned working schedule and states: “Wherever possible, Network Rail and our contractors will undertake the work during the day.

“However, there will be a requirement to undertake some night time working at Dunbar Station, predominantly at the weekend.

“It is safer for our staff and contractors to deliver certain works when trains are not running.

“We are also regulated to work in a way that minimises impact on train services.”

Currently, there are no plans in place to extend the railway station’s car park.