Network Rail has confirmed that work has begun on the installation of foundations for a new footbridge at the relocated Hairmyres station.
Over the course of the next two weeks, Network Rail and AmcoGiffen are to carry out piling works to support the new footbridge, through the use of a 58-tonne piling rig. The rig will then drive 24 steel pile foundations to depths of two to five metres.
This work comes as part of the East Kilbridge Enhancements Project, which supports the Scottish Government’s programme of decarbonising passenger services across the nation’s railway – with £140 million of funding behind it.
Once the footbridge and lifts are complete, passengers will benefit from step-free access to both platforms, whilst trains will be kept running on time thanks to a double-tracked section of the route running between the platforms.
Network Rail’s Senior Programme Manager for the works, Paul Reilly, said:
“The piling marks an important and exciting stage in the delivery of the project, as it’s a critical step in then allowing the installation of an accessible footbridge at the new Hairmyres station.
“Once the foundations are in place, we can start to focus on the construction of the lift towers and bridge deck, as well as the framework for the new station building which people will see emerging from the site over the coming months.
“When the construction of Hairmyres station is complete by summer 2025, it will provide a modern and accessible environment for passengers; whilst the electrification of the East Kilbride to Glasgow line will help encourage more people to switch from cars to rail and generate an even greener railway.”
As well as the ongoing work at Hairmyres, East Kilbride Station saw an upgrade to is existing platform completed in May. This saw the platform extended by 51 metres, allowing the buffer stop to be relocated to enable the construction of a new building.
The overall East Kilbride Enhancement Project is set to be completed in December 2025.
Image credit: Network Rail
