Station work running late after lift problem

Redevelopment work at Livingston South station has been extended.

Work will now continue until February due to unforseen ground conditions and a delay in the design of the new lifts.

Following the completion of the first phase of the project to redevelop and extend the station platforms work was set to begin on creating the foundations for the new lift towers to improve accessibility.

However, a geological investigation of the area to be used for the lift foundations and for the new access staircase led to the need to redesign some elements of the proposed work, which had knock-on effects for other parts of the programme.

Bosses now say the redevelopment of Livingston South station will be largely completed by December with the last element of work, commissioning the lifts, scheduled for February 2019.

Brian Mallon, programme manager for the Shotts line electrification programme, said: “We are conscious that the current situation at the station is not to the standard that we would want and expect for passengers using the railway.

“With that in mind, we are working with our contractors to expedite those elements of work that need to be progressed in order that we can fully complete the redevelopment and deliver the station that the community of Livingston South expect.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and pledge to do all we can to get the station completed as quickly as we can.”

No additional disruption to journeys through the station is anticipated as the project moves towards completion but station users may experience some changes to walking routes and other minor inconvenience as outstanding work is completed.

The current situation at the station is not to the standard that we would want and expect Brian Mallon