The electrification of the Borders Railway is now becoming visible on the ground, with engineers beginning to install the steel masts that will support the overhead wires needed for the next generation of battery-electric trains.
The work forms part of a £26.2 million Scottish Government investment to electrify 13km of the route between Edinburgh and Tweedbank, paving the way for the introduction of battery-electric trains in the early 2030s. The new fleet is expected to provide passengers with more sustainable, reliable and comfortable journeys while helping to decarbonise Scotland's railway network.
While the arrival of the steel structures marks a significant milestone, much of the work required to enable electrification was completed before the Borders Railway reopened in 2015. Bridges, stations and other infrastructure were designed with future electrification in mind, reducing the need for major reconstruction and limiting disruption to passengers and local communities.
Since work began in March, engineering teams have focused on installing the foundations for 350 new overhead line structures. Around half of these foundations have now been completed, allowing work to move on to the erection of steel masts and support arms between Tweedbank and Bowshank Tunnel near Stow.
Most activity is taking place overnight and during weekends to minimise disruption to passenger services. Once the structures are installed, engineers will begin fitting the overhead wiring, testing the equipment and carrying out final commissioning work ahead of the arrival of battery-electric trains.
Lynsey Maclean, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said:
“This is an exciting stage of the project because people can now start to see the railway changing. A huge amount of work has gone into planning and building the foundations, much of it behind the scenes, so seeing these new structures appear is a real achievement.
“What makes this project unique is that many of the decisions needed for electrification were taken when the railway was rebuilt more than a decade ago. That means we’re able to deliver this significant upgrade with far less disruption than would otherwise have been needed.
“We know the Borders Railway plays an important role in communities across the region. We’re making good progress in this next phase, and I’d like to thank passengers and our neighbours for their patience and understanding as work continues over the coming months.”
The latest milestone was marked by a visit from MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Calum Kerr, who met the team delivering the project and viewed progress on site.
He said:
“It was fantastic to see the progress being made on the Borders Railway electrification project and to meet the team delivering this important investment. The Borders Railway has already transformed connectivity for communities across the region, and these improvements will help make rail travel even more sustainable and reliable. I will continue to support efforts to extend the Borders Railway so that the whole region can benefit from the economic and social opportunities that improved rail links can bring.”
The installation of the first masts represents a highly visible step forward for a project that has been years in the planning. With foundations continuing to be installed and structures now rising along the route, the Borders Railway is moving closer to a battery-electric future that will support cleaner transport and improved passenger services across the region.
Image credit: Network Rail
