Environmental work on line for four months

Overnight tree cutting and environmental works will be carried out for the next four months on a railway line that travels through Monklands.

Network Rail has started a programme of tree and vegetation management on and around the tracks heading west from Drumgelloch to Shettleston, “needed to keep passengers safe and trains punctual, and reduce the risk for lineside neighbours”.

Work will take place both during the day and at night to clear all woody vegetation found within a six-metre strip between the track and the boundary fencing and treat any noxious and invasive non-native weeds within the area.

Network Rail add: “Other trees within falling distance of the railway will be selectively felled or cut back to leave a well-balanced tree canopy.

“Heritage, landscape specimen trees shall be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be retained where it is deemed safe.”

The affected route travels through Monklands and includes stations at Airdrie, Coatdyke, Coatbridge

Sunnyside and Blairhill; and those living closest to the line have received letters letting them know about the work and answering common questions.

Work will last for 16 weeks; and Network Rail add that they have carried out environmental surveys, nesting bird inspections and work with ecologists to minimise the work’s environmental impact.

Project manager Kirsty Armstrong said: “Elements of this work are unavoidable at night for safety reasons; however, the teams are always mindful of the impact their work may have and do what they can to minimise this.

“We want to apologise in advance if anyone is disturbed by the work.

“Network Rail manages thousands of miles of trees and vegetation along the railway to try to make sure that everything which grows within the lineside is safe and does not cause delays to trains.

“Through the management of lineside trees and vegetation, Network Rail aims to ensure the safety of the railway line – to keep passengers safe and reduce risk for our neighbours.”

Residents with questions or concerns about the work can contact the 24-hour helpline run by Network Rail on 03457 11 41 41.

On track Network Rail has started a programme of tree and vegetation management