Disruption warning as major work to take place on busy Scots rail line

TRAIN passengers face six weeks of disruption as a major commuter line will be closed.

The Glasgow South Western line between the city centre to Barrhead will be shut from Saturday June 24 to Friday August 4 for essential works by Network Rail as part of ongoing electrification of the line.

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Rail replacement bus services will run from between Glasgow and Kilmarnock during this period.

In addition to a replacement bus service operating between Glasgow and Kilmarnock, there will further reduced services to/from Glasgow to Crossmyloof and Pollokshaws West stations.

Trains between Carlisle, Dumfries, and Glasgow will terminate at Kilmarnock for a connecting replacement bus service.

Four key stations on the route – Kennishead, Priesthill & Darnley, Nitshill and Barrhead – will be included in the £63.3m upgrade which will see engineers working around the clock.

Network Rail will install overhead powerhead cables required to introduce electric services as well modifying bridges and walkways.

Work will also include the removal of the existing footbridge at Nitshill station on July 6 as it does not provide enough height clearance for the new overhead equipment.

The bridge will be replaced by a new, longer ramp to introduce step-free access to make it it easier for people with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children or cycles to access the platform.

The work forms part of the Scottish Government’s ongoing investment to decarbonise Scotland’s passenger railways.

Paul Reilly, Network Rail senior programme manager, said: “Electrification continues to transform travel, with 325 single track kilometres of new electric railway delivered across the central belt over the last decade.

“The Barrhead to Glasgow electrification project represents the current phase of our wider decarbonisation programme and our drive to create a greener, cleaner and more reliable railway.

“The six weeks of work marks a major milestone for the project, as our engineers work around-the-clock to complete this critical final phase of the programme, as this will then allow us to test the new overhead equipment in the run up to the line being fully energised on August 6.”

“We do appreciate the impact this activity will have on those living closest to the work and are grateful to the community for their continued patience while we complete this vital part of the project.”

“We also understand the inconvenience these works will cause to passengers and are encouraging customers to leave extra time for travel and plan journeys in advance.”

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “This project is another fantastic step forward for Scotland’s railway, electrifying more of the network, and supporting our journey to carbon zero.

“We will do everything we can to keep our customers moving during the works, and we urge people to plan ahead, taking alternative routes to and from Glasgow, or using our replacement bus services.

“Customers should check our social media channels, website, and app for up-to-date information on how to complete their journey.”

Customers are being advised to check before you travel here or via www.nationalrail.co.uk.

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