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Thursday 7 Dec 2023

Engineers begin bridge enhancement works on East Kilbride railway line

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Work begins this month to three railway bridges in Hairmyres as part of the East Kilbride enhancement project.

This activity marks the start of the wider engineering works on the £139.8m electrification project as part of a Scottish Government investment to decarbonise passenger services.

Two bridges must be raised and re-decked to create the room required to run overhead powerlines beneath the structures.

Engineers will replace a bridge at Thornton Road from 11 December until 9 April 2024, with the structure closing to traffic and a diversionary route in place during this time.

Work to a footbridge close to Hairmyres station and neighbouring Eaglesham Court takes place from 11 December, with a footpath diversion in place until 21 February.

A third bridge near Thornton Farm which has been out of use for a number of years will be demolished.

Key elements of the works will take place over the Christmas and New Year holiday period during 29-hour periods of continuous working:

• Removal and replacement of bridge at Thornton Road from 22:00hrs on 24 December until 07:00hrs on 26 December.
• Removal and replacement of footbridge at Eaglesham Court from 22:00hrs on 24 December until 07:00hrs on 26 December.
• Demolition of bridge near Thornton Farm from 22:00hrs on 31 December until 07:00hrs on 02 January.

*Works up to the morning of 26 December will completed ahead of Boxing Day train services. Please to check www.scotrail.co.uk for service information.

Gerry McQuade, Network Rail capital delivery director, said “The bridge works are the starting point for our two-year programme to deliver the East Kilbride enhancement project.

“After several months of planning, along with our contractor Story, the team’s excited to be on the ground as the bridge works get underway.

“The three bridges are the first of several structures we’ll be replacing or modifying along the line of route. This will allow the installation of the new overhead equipment that will power a greener and more reliable railway for our passengers and lineside neighbours.

“Given the scale of the engineering being delivered over the Christmas and New Year period, and the road closure and footpath diversion in place, we fully appreciate the patience and support of the community during this time.”

The East Kilbride enhancement project follows on from the recent electrification of the Glasgow - Barrhead line, with electric Class 380 trains being introduced on to this route from 11 December.

If you have any questions about the works, you can contact Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41. For the latest information and progress updates follow on Twitter @NetworkRailScot or visit www.scotlandsrailway.com