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Friday 12 Feb 2010

NEW RAIL LINK PROGRESSES WITH TWIN BRIDGE WORKS

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

- Double bridge installation requires four day closure of Bathgate branch line
- ScotRail introduces replacement bus services to minimise disruption

Network Rail will remove and install two bridges along the Bathgate branch line over the next four days (Saturday 13 Fen to Tues 16 Feb) as work on the Airdrie-Bathgate project continues.

Originally planned for January, the bridge work was delayed due to heavy snow fall and sub-zero temperatures. The work will require the removal and installation of two bridges in the Uphall area – one serving Pumpherston Road and the other serving Drumshoreland Road.

The work will require a four day closure of the Bathgate line, with services returning to normal on Wednesday 17 Feb. Replacement bus services will be provided where required by ScotRail.

Hugh Wark, senior project manager for Network Rail said:

“We had planned to complete this work in January, however, the extreme weather conditions meant that it had to be rescheduled.

“Over the next four days, we will install two bridges under the railway in the Uphall area. On completion, we will be able to remove the single lane restriction which is currently in place on Pumpherston Road. This work will also allow access to the new Uphall Station car park for the first time.”

Jacqueline Dey, ScotRail’s Operations Director, added: “We have done everything possible to keep inconvenience to an absolute minimum.  Full plans are in place to provide alternative transport arrangements where required.”

Replacement buses will operate between Bathgate and Haymarket, with the exception of the first and last services which will operate to/from Edinburgh Waverley. Buses will call at booked stations in both directions. As a result some journey-times may be extended. Further information is available from National Rail Enquiries tel : 08457 484950.