Shotts electrification

Electrification of the Shotts line in Scotland has been completed on time and on budget.

A four-car Class 385 became the first electric multiple unit to operate along the line on April 3, when it operated the 2231 Corkerhill-Edinburgh Waverley and 0220 return. EMUs will begin running from the start of the May timetable.

The project cost £160 million, with funding provided by the Scottish Government. It means there are now five electrified routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Network Rail said the route adds resilience and capacity into the railway, to cater for projected growth in passenger numbers from towns such as Livingston and West Calder into Edinburgh and Cleland and Shotts into Glasgow. It will also enable freight growth.

NR has installed 1,400 masts to carry 138½ miles of overhead wires. Seventeen bridges were modified, including the demolition of some, while others were rebuilt to create space for the wires.

Nine stations have been upgraded or had their platform extended, while Breich and Livingston South have been completely redeveloped.

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, said: “As well as improving connectivity between North Lanarkshire and West Lothian, the investment will both stimulate growth in passenger numbers and make it easier for people from these communities to connect to employment, education and leisure opportunities in our largest cities.”

Iain McFarlane, Network Rail route delivery director for infrastructure projects, said: “Electrification is transforming travel across the Central Belt of Scotland - increasing the number of seats, reducing journey times, and cutting emissions by introducing more modern and greener trains to the route.”