Media centre

Thursday 18 Jun 2009

SOUTH SUB LINE PREPARES FOR SUMMER MODERNISATION

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail will undertake a £1m modernisation of the Edinburgh South Suburban freight rail route this summer.

The works will take place on ten consecutive Saturday nights between 28 June to 5 September, on a 4.5 mile section between Slateford and Niddrie.

The work, which involves the renewal of track circuit equipment, will take place in 12 locations between midnight and 6am, reducing the impact on freight train services. Road access to the works will be from four locations: Maxwell St, Charterhall Grove, Peffer Place and Duddingston Park.

David Simpson, Network Rail route director, Scotland commented:

“Network Rail is committed to improving Scotland’s rail network for all users including passengers and freight operators. This work represents a £1m investment and will help to modernise the south suburban line for the 21st century.

“The works themselves require sections of rail to be cut and removed before being replaced and welded into position. It is likely to cause some noise and residents living close to the line have been written to in advance of the work beginning.

“We can assure residents that we will work to minimise noise and disruption whenever possible.”

The Edinburgh South Suburban railway is a key freight route, avoiding the need for goods trains to disrupt passenger services through Waverley, Princes Street Gardens and Haymarket. It is also used as a diversionary route for passenger services at times of disruption.

The line carries goods which are important to the Scottish economy including containerised goods, coal traffic, cement, oil and metal products.

ENDS