Commuters who use a busy Glasgow rail route have been warned to expect disruption during a 16-week closure for upgrade works.
A section of the East Kilbride to Glasgow Central line to accommodate Network Rail’s “round the clock” electrification works on the busy line.
From Saturday, January 25 until Sunday, May 18, no trains will run between East Kilbride and Thornliebank stations while the works are being carried out.
The project will see 22km of new overhead power cables installed and the lengthening of the double track between Hairmyres and East Kilbride. The track will also be lowered at locations near Busby, Clarkston and Giffnock stations so that overhead line equipment can be accommodated under some bridges on the route.
The Network Rail works is part of a Scottish Government investment in the line and is aimed at decarbonising rail services.
By December 2025, the line will see electrification, a new station at East Kilbride, a new station with two platforms and an accessible footbridge at Hairmyres, a new footbridge at Busby Station, Improved access and accessibility at Giffnock and a new station entrance at Clarkston.
Artist impression of new footbridge at Giffnock Station.
(Image: Network Rail)
Gerry McQuade, Network Rail capital delivery director, said: “This programme of extended engineering works is a critical point in the delivery of the electrification of the East Kilbride line.
“Closing the railway is never an easy decision, but the engineering work taking place over these 16 weeks can only be done when no trains are running. This approach allows the completion of these major works in the most efficient, fastest way.”
Mark Ilderton, Scot Rail service delivery director, said: “The works being carried out by Network Rail are absolutely critical in the latest phase of the project to electrify the railway on the East Kilbride line.
“Unfortunately, during the 16-week closure, we will be unable to operate trains to and from East Kilbride, and an alternate transport plan will help to make sure customers are still able to travel.
“In the coming weeks, we will communicate the plan through all our customer information channels, including where replacement buses will operate, and the other routes available for customers.”
To help minimise disruption for passengers, a replacement bus service will be in place during the closure. One the 16 weeks of works finishes, the new Hairmyres Station is scheduled to open to the public.
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