11.07.12
£12m electrification for Paisley line through new alliance
Network Rail and ScotRail have agreed a £12m alliance to fast-track the Paisley Central line upgrade earlier and under budget.
The joint investment will be used to electrify the 8km stretch of line between Glasgow central and Paisley Canalby December 2012. The contract has been awarded to Babcock, recently named Network Rail’s ‘Supplier of the Year’.
Cost savings for the project will be achieved through the use of extended ‘neutral’ sections when passing under overhead structures, requiring less rebuilding, and a careful assessment of required clearance heights.
The track will be lowered at key points to provide sufficient clearance. This will allow a DMU to operate if no EMU is available and will permit potential future freight traffic to Hawkhead station.
ScotRail has also waived its right to disruption compensation payments from Network Rail.
Susan Anderson, Network Rail’s route commercial manager, said: “This is the first tangible benefit for rail customers to be delivered through this alliance with ScotRail. We are delighted to be able to achieve this much more quickly than under traditional arrangements.”
Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail added: “This work is set to deliver substantial benefits for customers while driving down costs. The ground breaking alliance is a leaner, more efficient way of working and sets the standard for future rail projects in Scotland.
“This is a fine example of joining forces to deliver a cost-effective solution that support the Scottish Government’s ambitions for electrified rail across the network. However, the big winners from the investment are passengers who will notice a marked improvement in performance, comfort and seat availability,” said transport minister Keith Brown.
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