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Friday 21 Nov 2008

NEW PHASE OF WORK BEGINS ON AIRDRIE-BATHGATE PROJECT

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Work on the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link will gather pace on Monday with the start of a vital phase of activity which will prepare the way for the new line.

To allow the new rail infrastructure to be built, trees and plants need to be removed along the route. To this end, Network Rail has appointed QTS Group to begin the process of clearing trees and plants from the route of the Transport Scotland funded rail link.

Hugh Wark, senior project manager for Network Rail, commented:

“This project will provide a large area of central Scotland with access to cleaner, greener transport and, in keeping with these benefits, we are committed to delivering the project within rigorous environmental, habitat management and biodiversity standards. Our planning and preparation for this work has been extensive, including the production of a waste management plan and identification of areas where vegetation can be retained.

“We have worked closely with Scottish Natural Heritage to confirm that all relevant habitat surveys have been completed to assess the impact on local animals and to manage our work programme accordingly. By completing these works by March 2009, for example, we are able to minimise the impact of our work on bird-nesting.

“In addition, we will continue to work alongside the environmental health officers and other officials at West Lothian and North Lanarkshire Councils.”