13.12.17
Further electrification work to begin on Shotts line as NR awards £11.6m contract
Network Rail is to begin further electrification work on the Shotts line between Holytown Junction and Midcalder Junction after awarding an £11.6m contract today.
The work is part of £160m of electrification upgrades to link Edinburgh and Glasgow – expected to be completed by March 2019.
Carillion Powerlines Ltd has won the contract to do further work on the Shotts line to help the introduction of ScotRail’s new Class 385 fleet.
Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf said today’s announcement shows the government’s commitment to improving the rail network, with a full £5bn expected to be invested.
He commented: “This work contributes to the transformation of services across the central belt as part of the wider package of investment to enhance rail travel between the country’s two biggest cities, meaning passengers will see shorter journey times, increased capacity and better reliability.”
As well as electrification, the work – which covers nine stations on the route – includes platform reconstruction, renewals and enhancements to lighting.
There will also be new CCTV and customer information systems added as part of the wider upgrade programme.
Carillon Powerlines managing director Martin C Smith stated: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract to electrify the Shotts line across central Scotland and we look forward to working with the project team to enhance the railway network.
“This award reflects the depth of experience we can demonstrate in delivering infrastructure enhancements in a railway environment and will further enhance the relationship we have developed with Network Rail.”
Two stations on the route, Livingston South and Breich, will be completely rebuilt and platforms extensions at Carfin, Shotts and West Calder will be completed to enable the introduction of longer trains on the route. The station section of the work is expected to be completed in Autumn 2018.
Iain McFarlane, route delivery director for Network Rail, said the contract was “another step forward” that showed the organisation’s commitment to Scottish electrification.
“Electrification of the line across North Lanarkshire and West Lothian coupled with improvements at stations will transform the journey experience for rail passengers who will enjoy the benefits of improved services for many years to come,” he said.
“Throughout this project we will work closely with contractors, train operators and other stakeholders to deliver in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible while minimising disruption for both lineside communities and passengers.”
The first electric trains to carry passengers on the route were sent between Edinburgh and Glasgow this weekend, although they were Class 380s rather than the Class 385 stock expected to make the journey in the future.
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