Media centre

Monday 24 Jul 2017

Kilmarnock-Carlisle line re-opens after successful nine day programme of upgrades

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

The line between Kilmarnock and Carlisle has re-opened following successful completion of a multi million pound programme of work

 Engineers worked around-the-clock to deliver a programme of upgrade and refurbishment projects along the route from Saturday, July 15, to Sunday, July 23. This included strengthening two bridges in Mauchline, renewal of over four miles of track between Mauchline and Dumfries and extensive masonry repairs and strengthening work on the Annan viaduct.

Due to the complexity of the engineering work and the heavy machinery involved, these projects could not have been delivered without the short-term closure of the line.

Replacement bus services were in operation between Kilmarnock and Carlisle during this period to help minimise disruption for passengers while we delivered this vital investment in Scotland’s railway.

Lindsay Saddler, head of maintenance delivery said: “The work we delivered is vital for the long-term future reliability and resilience of the line.  Engineers worked  around-the-clock to deliver this programme of work.

“We understand the inconvenience these works will cause to some passengers, residents and motorists and we work hard to keep disruption to a minimum.  Sometimes however some inconvenience is unavoidable and we are grateful for the patience and cooperation shown by passengers during the delivery of work.”

Work is ongoing on all of the bridge projects and additional track works will also be delivered on Sundays into August with buses replacing trains between Kilmarnock and Dumfries on July 30 and August 6,13,20,27.