Friday 28 Sep 2012
MIDLOTHIAN MINE WORKS PROGRESS IN ADVANCE OF BORDERS RAILWAY
- Region & Route:
- Scotland’s Railway: Scotland
- Mining remediation works starting Monday 1 October for 26 weeks
Essential works on abandoned mines are to begin in Midlothian this week as part of the Borders Railway Project. The mining remediation work, which will be undertaken by BAM Nuttall on behalf of Network Rail, will ready the area for construction of the new railway line.
The works will commence on Monday 1 October and are programmed to last for 26 weeks.
Work will be undertaken during the day between 8am and 6pm to minimise the noise disruption to local residents.
Hugh Wark, Project Director for Network Rail, said: “Midlothian has a rich history of mining and there are hundreds of miles of disused mine shafts underneath the region. Along the route of the Borders Railway, we have carried out extensive ground investigations and identified the locations which require support before construction of the new railway."
Nissar Mohammed, Project Director for BAM Nuttall, added: “This work is essential to ensure that the new railway does not face the possibility of subsidence in the future. The works will be carried out during the day, which will allow us to minimise the impact of noise disruption on those living nearby. We will be undertaking the work in a way which will cause the minimal possible impact on the local environment.“
Works have been planned in consultation with the Midlothian Council and mark the final stage of the advance works for the new line.
Notes to editors
ABOUT THE BORDERS RAILWAY PROJECT
Funded by the Scottish Government, the Borders Railway will re-establish passenger railway services for the first time in over 40 years from Edinburgh through Midlothian to Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders.
The new line will include 30 miles of new passenger railway with 10 stops and 7 new stations. It will offer a fast and efficient rail service that will be a real alternative to the congested road network. The railway will deliver major economic and social development opportunities and connect people to jobs, housing (including affordable housing), leisure opportunities and other facilities. The project is a key part of the Scottish Government’s wider programme of investment in transport infrastructure, working towards the sustainable economic growth of Scotland.
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