24.07.07
Preparatory work starts on Glasgow Airport Rail Link
Preparatory work on the Glasgow Airport Rail Link was due to start this month.
Between 1 July and 16 November 2007, Network Rail will install portal frames for the overhead line electrification along a stretch of track between Shields Junction (near Kinning Park in Glasgow) and Arkleston Junction (near Hillington Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Paisley).
The work - which will take place within railway property - will help with subsequent work to install new railway infrastructure crucial to the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project.
SPT chair Alistair Watson said: "The Glasgow Airport Rail Link was given the go-ahead by MSPs in November 2006 and received Royal Assent in January 2007. Since that time, SPT has been finalising the detailed design of the scheme.
"Now, we are delighted that preparatory work is ready to begin on the scheme.
"This work is necessary if we are all to enjoy the long-term benefits that GARL will bring - giving the people of Glasgow and the west of Scotland a safe and reliable rail link to Glasgow Airport."
The work involves excavating and pouring of foundations followed by the erection of steelwork at various locations along the line.
The Glasgow Airport Rail Link (GARL) will upgrade 9km (5.4 miles) of existing track between Shields Junction and Paisley Gilmour Street station and lay 1.9km (1.2miles) of new track between Paisley St James station and Glasgow Airport.
The new track will cross St James Park via a new viaduct, and the M8. A new platform will also be built in Central Station and new track laid at the Elderslie sidings.
The new rail link will provide a dedicated train service every 15 minutes between Glasgow Central station and a new station at Glasgow Airport. Trains will stop once at Paisley Gilmour Street and the journey time will be 16 minutes.
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