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Thursday 15 Jan 2026

Behind the scenes at Balgray as new station footbridge and lifts installed

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Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A new £18.3m train station in East Renfrewshire is a step closer to opening after engineers successfully installed its footbridge and lifts this week. 

Balgray Station is being built to serve the growing community around Barrhead and strengthen connections to and from Glasgow. It aims to make it easier for people to travel for work, education and leisure, while also encouraging more visitors to local destinations like the Dams to Darnley Country Park. 

Since construction began in July 2025, the project has made strong progress with platforms and a new car park taking shape. The footbridge links the platforms and introduces step-free access, making journeys easier and more inclusive for passengers. 

Next, work will continue on the station and car park construction, including new cycle parking, a footpath link to the country park, accessible parking spaces, and electric vehicle charging points, all in preparation for the station’s opening later this year. 

The station is part of the wider Glasgow City Region City Deal, with funding provided by the UK and Scottish Governments and East Renfrewshire Council. It’s being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting.  

Ashley McDonald, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Strengthening rail connections in East Renfrewshire gives people another practical, reliable alternative to travelling by car. Better links mean shorter journeys, improved access to jobs and education, and simpler everyday travel. 

“Installing the footbridge and lifts has really brought the station together. It means we can now start focusing on the details that will ensure it’s ready to welcome passengers later this year.” 

East Renfrewshire Council leader Owen O'Donnell said: "I'm delighted that that this major project milestone has been completed as this is such an important step in progress towards the new rail service. Balgray station is set to be a very welcome addition for our growing community in Barrhead, making it much easier for residents and visitors to travel to and from Barrhead and Dams to Darnley Country Park using public transport.” 

The station is expected to open in autumn this year. More information about the work is available on the Scotland’s Railway website.