The opening of a new rail line in Scotland which will see the introduction of passenger services between Stirling and Alloa for the first time since 1968 has been delayed. The £70m Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine track, which will also take more freight off the roads, was due to open this summer.
A spokesperson for the rail project said the completion date was "under review" to allow extra safety work.
The final cost of the rail line is also expected to increase. The Scottish Executive had originally earmarked £30m for reopening the 13 mile stretch of track between Stirling, Alloa and the Longannet power station in Kincardine.
But the cost has more than doubled to £70m since the project was given the go ahead.
A spokeswoman for the project said the delay in opening was the result of upgrade work to a level crossing, which was being carried out in the interest of public safety.
However, she did not reveal how much this would increase the cost.
She added: "The move from a half barrier to a full barrier level crossing with CCTV will have an impact on the completion date and on cost."