THE new £140 million electrification of the East Kilbride to Glasgow train line will get underway next January and will see the railway closed for 16 weeks.
But the upgrading works are set to improve the service, rail bosses say.
From January 2025, engineers will be working around-the-clock for 16-weeks to deliver major engineering works as part of the project to electrify the railway between East Kilbride and Glasgow.
The project, which is being delivered by Network Rail and is part of a Scottish Government investment in the line, will help to de-carbonise rail services as well as improve reliability for passengers.
Once complete, in December 2025, the investment in the line will see:
- Electrification of the railway from Glasgow to East Kilbride
- A new station at East Kilbride
- A new station with two platforms and accessible footbridge at Hairmyres
- A new footbridge at Busby station Improved access at Giffnock, with a new accessible footbridge
- A new station entrance at Clarkston.
To help deliver these vital improvements, from Saturday, January 25, until Sunday, May 18, no trains will run on the line between East Kilbride and Thornliebank stations while work is carried out to the track, bridges and overhead line equipment along the route.
This critical period in the electrification project will also see 22km of new overhead power cables installed and the lengthening of the double-track between East Kilbride and Hairmyres.
The existing track will also be lowered at locations near Busby, Clarkston and Giffnock stations so that overhead line equipment can be accommodated under some bridges.
A Network Rail capital delivery director said: “This programme of extended engineering works is a critical point in the delivery of the electrification of the East Kilbride line. Closing the railway is never an easy decision, but the engineering work taking place over these 16 weeks can only be done when no trains are running.
“This approach allows the completion of these major works in the most efficient, fastest way.
“We hope that by advising people three months ahead of the work starting, this raises awareness and allows people the time to consider alternative travel arrangements.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, added: “The works being carried out by Network Rail are absolutely critical in the latest phase of the project to electrify the railway on the East Kilbride line.
“Unfortunately, during the 16-week closure, we will be unable to operate trains to and from East Kilbride, and an alternate transport plan will help to make sure customers are still able to travel.
“In the coming weeks, we will communicate the plan through all our customer information channels, including where replacement buses will operate, and the other routes available for customers.”
Damian Briody, Transport Scotland’s head of rail projects and technical services, said: “Whilst any disruption to passengers is unwelcome, we acknowledge the careful consideration which has gone into delivering the significant improvement works taking place during the closure.
“It is welcome that Network Rail and ScotRail have listened to passengers in planning these works and that they will continue to work closely together to ensure these passengers can make informed journey planning choices.”
At the same time as the 16-weeks of work finishes, in May 2025, the new Hairmyres station is scheduled to open to the public. The overall electrification project will be completed in late 2025.
Information on the bus replacement service will be available in the coming weeks and customers are advised to check at www.scotrail.co.uk or via www.nationalrail.co.uk when planning their journeys over this period.
