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Wednesday 14 Jun 2023

Glasgow-Barrhead line electrification works set to begin

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Scotland’s Railway is reminding passengers that the railway will close between Kennishead and Kilmarnock for six-weeks as part of a £63m upgrade.

Engineers will be working around-the-clock from Saturday, June 24, until Thursday, August 3, to prepare the line to Barrhead for electrification.

During this critical phase of the Scottish Government-funded project, engineers will install overhead power lines and carry out platform works at Kennishead, Priesthill & Darnley, Nitshill and Barrhead stations. 

At Nitshill, the existing station footbridge is also being removed and replaced with a new ramp to Platform 2 to provide step-free access.

Beyond Barrhead, track, signalling and embankment upgrades will also be delivered near Lugton, in East Ayrshire, while the line is closed.

Paul Reilly, Network Rail senior programme manager, said: “This major investment in Scotland’s Railway will play a vital part in creating a more sustainable, greener railway for customers.

“Closing the railway for an extended period is never an easy decision to take, however, it does mean we can get this complex work done more quickly and with less long-term disruption for passengers.

“We appreciate the inconvenience this work will cause customers and those living closest to the railway. I want to thank people for their continued patience as we complete a project that will transform the railway environment and the passenger experience.”

To help minimise disruption for passengers, ScotRail will have replacement buses in operation between Kilmarnock and Glasgow until normal train services resume on Friday, August 4.

In addition to a replacement bus service, there will also be 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.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We know that the works will be an inconvenience to customers but we are doing everything we can to keep people moving.

“People should plan ahead, taking alternative routes to and from Glasgow, or using our replacement bus services. And please check our social media channels, website, and app for up-to-date information on how to complete your journey.

“This an exciting project for Scotland’s Railway, and we are delighted to see more of the network being electrified as we continue our journey to net zero.”

Customers are being advised to check before they travel at www.scotrail.co.uk/glasgow-kilmarnockclosure or via www.nationalrail.co.uk

Once the Barrhead-Glasgow electrification project completes later this year, it will enable electric services to operate on the route and further encourage more passengers on to the railway.