A significant milestone has been reached in the £63.3 million Glasgow-Barrhead electrification project with the successful test run of the first electric train on the route.
The Class 380 train completed test runs at speeds of up to 75mph along the newly electrified lines between Glasgow Central and Barrhead station overnight on Wednesday, November 7.
"Running the test train on the Glasgow-Barrhead line is a major milestone for everyone involved in delivering this project over the last two years," said Paul Reilly, Network Rail's senior programme manager.
"The test train successfully demonstrated that the overhead equipment is operating as it should, ahead of ScotRail introducing Class 380 electric services for passengers on to the route in December”, he added.
The introduction of electric trains is expected to bring a number of benefits to passengers and the environment. Electric trains are lighter, cleaner, and quieter than their diesel equivalents, and they cause less wear and tear on the track.
The Glasgow and Barrhead electrification project has included extensive works up and down the line. This has included major modifications being completed to bridges along the route, including the replacement of Nithsdale Road bridge at Strathbungo.
Bridge walls at Kennishead, Priesthill and Darnley stations were also raised in height to make them compliant for an electrified railway.
"The introduction of electric Class 380 trains on the Barrhead line will ensure that customers along the route benefit from a more comfortable and reliable service," said David Simpson, ScotRail's service delivery director. "We hope this will encourage more people to choose rail travel instead of using the car, particularly during our off-peak all day fares trial."
The Glasgow-Barrhead electrification project is part of the Scottish Government's rolling programme of decarbonisation, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 56% by 2030. The project follows on from the electrification of the main Edinburgh-Glasgow line, the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa route, and the Shotts line, with 325 single track kilometres of electrified railway being upgraded across Scotland over the last decade.
The new electric trains are expected to be introduced into passenger service in December 2023.
Photo: Network Rail
