Media centre

Monday 4 Jun 2007

GRETNA-ANNAN RAIL UPGRADE ON-TRACK FOR SUMMER START

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A GBP35 million project to double track the railway between Gretna and Annan station is set to begin construction this summer following a series of public meetings with local residents. The eight mile stretch between Gretna and Annan will provide an important passenger route from Carlisle via Dumfries to Ayrshire and on to Glasgow Central and is expected to be completed by February 2008. The upgrade will require the temporary closure of the line between Gretna and Dumfries from Saturday 14 July to Sunday 29 July, with services replaced by bus services for all or part of the route. David Simpson, Route Director for Network Rail in Scotland said: "The Gretna to Annan route is a vital rail link for both freight and passenger trains and the upgrade is an important part of Network Rail's vision to modernise and grow the railway in Scotland. The GBP35 million we have invested in the area will allow us to double track this stretch of line, providing increased capacity, less chance of delays and, potentially, more services in the future. "While the work will cause temporary disruption to services in the area, we will do our best to reduce the impact this has on passengers. We strongly believe that the project will result in long term benefits for passengers and for the local economy. "Work will be complete by February 2008, however, we are keen to ensure that positive dialogue with the communities affected by the construction work is maintained and a series of local meetings have been arranged for people to ask the project managers questions about the work." Local meetings will take place as follows: 4 June: Eastriggs, Dornock & Creca Community Council Meeting 11 June: Royal Burgh of Annan Community Council Meeting 18 June: Gretna Green & Springfield Community Council Meeting