Major rail upgrade is on the right track
Work will soon begin to lay foundations for overhead power lines along the East Kilbride rail link as part of a multi-million pound investment in the route.
Commuters and local politicians have long campaigned for much needed improvements to the EK to Glasgow Central line, with Transport Secretary Michael Matheson admitting it wasn’t “up to scratch” when he visited the town last September to announce plans.
The Network Rail managed project will see the railway transformed to accommodate quieter, more environmentally friendly electric trains, while increasing the frequency of services and improving network resilience.
It will also include the upgrade of East Kilbride station, the relocation of Hairmyres station to a site 600m west of its current location, as well as route-wide platform extensions, accessibility upgrades, enhanced timetables and active travel improvements along the route.
A Scottish Governmentfunded investment, the project is part of the government’s commitment to build a cleaner, greener railway as part of its decarbonisation plans.
Contractors, SPL, will shortly begin on-site activities between Muirhouse South junction and Busby junction – including piling and constructing steelwork foundations to support overhead power masts.
This work will also support future electrification between Busby junction and Barrhead.
Michael Matheson said: “Our recently published Strategic Transport Projects Review sets out our ambitions for accelerating economic recovery and lays the groundwork for placing inclusive, greener transport options at the heart of future investment.
“Electrification of routes such as East Kilbride are a great example of how we aim to achieve this as we work towards our commitment of decarbonising rail passenger services by 2035.”
Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway, said:
“The line to East Kilbride is a key transport corridor serving growing communities to the south of Scotland’s largest city.
“The enhancements we are delivering will transform the service we provide to our customers on this route and help ensure Scotland’s Railway plays its part in offering greener, more environmentally friendly travel options to the public.”
Linda Fabiani, East Kilbride MSP, said: “The benefits of these enhancements are huge – not only faster journey times and a more frequent, reliable service, but one too which is better for our environment.
“It really is exciting and will provide a service which users will welcome. I look forward to future announcements.”
Councillor Joe Fagan said: “Progress on the East Kilbride line is welcome.
“There have been many false dawns over the years and improvements have been a long time coming. Hopefully when people are commuting again investment in the line can help local workers and students make smarter, faster journeys but also help bring people to East Kilbride.
“The East Kilbride line connects Scotland’s biggest town with Scotland’s biggest city and yet we’ve been relying for decades on what is a largely unchanged Village station. This is an opportunity to change that and at long last upgrade East Kilbride’s railway.”
Network Rail has also launched a survey to allow passengers the opportunity to share their thoughts on the delivery of the project.
This will allow Network Rail to consider views at the vital planning stage.