06.06.16
Glasgow Queen Street programme reaches halfway point
The first line of track in the Glasgow Queen Street tunnel has now been completed, marking the halfway point of the ambitious project.
Since Glasgow Queen Street closed on 20 March, over 2,100 Network Rail engineers have spent more than 150,000 hours removing over 5,000 tonnes of concrete and rock, creating a new 945m concrete base and installing 820m of new slab-track units and 2,000m of new rail. They have also lengthened and rebuilt the platforms and track layouts.
They are now completing the second line of slab track, meaning the project is on track to reopen on 8 August.
Humza Yousaf MSP, minister for external affairs and international development, visited the site on Friday. He said: “Delivering any major infrastructure programme in a live rail environment is a challenging undertaking and the Queen Street tunnel is certainly no exception.
“Whilst acknowledging the ongoing success of ScotRail’s communications and service alterations, which are keeping the public informed and keeping them moving, I would also like to thank rail passengers who are affected by these works for their ongoing patience and understanding.
“This work is literally paving the way for Scotland’s new fleet of electric trains, which will begin to be introduced in to service next year.”
David Dickson, ScotRail Alliance infrastructure director, said: “The renewal of the tunnel track, and the installation of overhead power equipment, will allow the introduction of faster, longer and greener trains on the main Edinburgh-Glasgow line – delivering thousands of extra seats, shorter journey times and improved accessibility for customers.”
The tunnel renewal will make way for the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Project to electrify the main Edinburgh-Glasgow line and introduce 70 Hitachi Class 385 electric trains by December 2018.
Further remodelling of Glasgow Queen Street, including increased concourse space, improved accessibility and remodelled passenger facilities, is set to be complete in 2019. This will also allow eight-carriage trains to run on the main line.
(Image c. Network Rail)
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