Network Rail has opened a new road bridge “seven weeks ahead of schedule”.
The track operator and contractor Story's £5.5 million project to replace the road bridge next to Thornliebank station started in April 2024.
It has been completed as part of a wider engineering programme on the £140m East Kilbride enhancement project to decarbonise passenger services.
Paul Reilly, Network Rail’s senior programme manager for the bridge works, said: “To be opening Thornliebank Road bridge today is a milestone moment for the electrification project, especially as we have been able to do so seven weeks early.
“It’s a fantastic achievement by the team and our contractor Story, who really pushed the programme forward to make critical gains where possible."
More than 50,000 hours were worked over the last 12 months and 1500 tonnes of concrete were used for the new bridge structure, including 165 tonnes of steel reinforcement.
Ahead of the old bridge being demolished last September, the first five months on site involved moving 22 separate utilities, including gas, water, electricity and telecoms, from the structure and then installing services back into the new bridge in recent months.
The East Kilbride Enhancement project is due to be completed in December 2025.
The investment in the line includes the 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 and improved access to platform two at Clarkston station.
“This investment in electrifying the East Kilbride to Glasgow railway will mean we can run cleaner, greener electric trains that deliver significant environmental improvements for passengers and those living next to the railway,” added Paul.
“We understand that closing a road bridge temporarily is never ideal, however, this work couldn’t be completed otherwise.
"I want to thank the community, particularly our nearest neighbours, for the patience shown throughout delivery of the work.”
