A major £2.7 million upgrade to improve the reliability and performance of train services in Glasgow’s southside is kicking off this August.
The project will see significant enhancements around Pollokshields West Station, including:
- 1.5 miles of new rail
- 2,500 new sleepers
- 2,000 tonnes of ballast (the stone base that supports the track)
In addition, key junctions in the Cathcart area will be refurbished, and repairs will be carried out on a nearby boundary wall.
This work is part of Network Rail’s ongoing commitment to delivering a safe, modern, and efficient railway network for passengers and freight across Scotland.
Service Disruptions: What You Need to Know
To carry out the upgrades safely, the Cathcart Circle line to and from Glasgow Central will be closed over two weekends:
- Saturday 16 August (1am) to Monday 18 August (6am)
- Saturday 23 August (1am) to Monday 25 August (6am)
During these closures, train services on the Cathcart Circle and connecting routes will be amended, affecting journeys between Glasgow Central and destinations such as:
- East Kilbride
- Newton
- Neilston
- Kilmarnock
- Barrhead
- Dumfries
- Carlisle
- Girvan
- Stranraer
Eddie McLoone, project manager at Network Rail Scotland said: “This investment is vital in ensuring the long-term resilience of the Cathcart Circle line. To carry out the work safely and efficiently, we need to close the line while our engineers are on site. We understand this will cause some disruption and are sorry for the inconvenience it may bring to passengers and those living nearby.
“We’re grateful for everyone’s patience and support while we deliver these essential upgrades. Once complete, those who travel on this route can look forward to smoother, more reliable journeys.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:
“We’re encouraging customers to check their journeys in advance, as services on routes through Pollokshields West will be amended over both weekends. We’ve arranged for rail replacement transport, where possible, to keep customers moving.
“We appreciate some customers may have to change their travel plans when this vital work takes place and appreciate their understanding while its delivered.”
Image credit: Network Rail
