Preliminary works will soon begin to lay foundations for overhead powerlines along the East Kilbride-Glasgow Central railway as part of a multi-million-pound investment in the route.
The Network Rail project will see the railway transformed to accommodate quieter, more environmentally friendly electric trains while increasing the regularity of services and improving network resilience.
The work will also entail an upgrade of East Kilbride station, the relocation of Hairmyres station to a site 600m west of its current location, in addition to route-wide platform extensions, accessibility upgrades, new timetables and active travel improvements along the route.
A Scottish Government-funded investment, the project is part of the government’s pledge to build a cleaner, greener railway as part of its decarbonisation plans.
Contractors, SPL, will shortly begin on-site activities between Muirhouse South junction and Busby junction, including piling and constructing steelwork foundations to support overhead power masts.
This work will also support future electrification between Busby junction and Barrhead.
Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, said: “Our recently published Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2 Phase 1) sets out our ambitions for accelerating economic recovery and lays the groundwork for placing inclusive, greener transport options at the heart of the future investment.
“Electrification of routes such as East Kilbride is a great example of how we aim to achieve this as we work towards our commitment of decarbonising rail passenger services by 2035.”
Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “The line to East Kilbride is a key transport corridor serving growing communities to the south of Scotland’s largest city.
“The enhancements we are delivering will transform the service we provide to our customers on this route and help ensure Scotland’s Railway plays its part in offering greener, more environmentally friendly travel options to the public.”
Linda Fabiani, East Kilbride MSP, said: “The benefits of these enhancements are huge – not only faster journey times and a more frequent, reliable service, but one too which is better for our environment. It is exciting and will provide a service that users will welcome. I look forward to future announcements.”
Images: Network Rail
