ScotRail has confirmed a busy rail line will close for almost four months with passengers having to use alternative routes. The Glasgow Central to East Kilbride line will be out of action for 16 weeks from Saturday, January 25 until Sunday, May 18 as part of major works.
A rail replacement bus service will serve “most” of the stations on the route. Alternative options have also been detailed at stations where no bus service can run from. ScotRail is asking customers travelling between East Kilbride and Glasgow Central to also consider alternative rail routes, where possible or consider local bus services.
The line closure is part of a £140million project with improvements being made to the track, signalling, bridges, and overhead line equipment. Services at nine stations, not including Glasgow Central, will be impacted although some are served by another line running through Barrhead.
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They are:
- Crossmyloof
- Pollokshaws West
- Thornliebank
- Giffnock
- Clarkson
- Busby
- Thortonhall
- Hairmyres
- East Kilbride
ScotRail says the project will eventually lead to new stations at East Kilbride and Hairmyres, a new footbridge at Busby, improved access at Giffnock, a new station entrance at Clarkson, and the electrification of the railway from Glasgow to East Kilbride. Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: “The works being carried out by Network Rail are absolutely critical in the latest phase of the project to modernise the railway on the East Kilbride line.
East Kilbride train station is being replaced
(Image: East Kilbride News)
“We know the inconvenience that extended works on the railway has on customers, and we appreciate their patience and understanding while Network Rail complete these vital improvements. By providing detailed information in advance, we hope to give customers enough time to plan their journeys and consider what alternatives are available to them.
“We urge customers to plan ahead and know their travel options. During the improvement works, some journey times will be longer, but we will keep you moving. You can find out more about our alternative travel plan and what it means for your own journey by visiting our dedicated webpage or by downloading our free mobile app.”
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