Media centre

Friday 11 Jun 2010

TOWERS ROAD BRIDGE REOPENS AS WORK ON NEW RAIL LINK CONTINUES

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Construction continues on Carlisle Road to allow for the double tracking of the line

Progress on the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link continues apace with the reopening of Towers Road Bridge in Airdrie tomorrow (Saturday 12^th June). The bridge has been completely rebuilt as part of the project and marks another key milestone in the lead up to the opening of the line at the end of this year.

The next stage is now underway, with work to rebuild Carlisle Road Bridge to allow for the double tracking and electrification of the rail line.  Over the past month, this work has required weekend and overnight closures of Carlisle Road (A73). A full eight week closure will begin on Monday 14^th June. 

The upgrade works are expected to increase the reliability of the service, as well as creating a direct, fully electrified line all the way to Edinburgh Waverley.

To minimise disruption as much as possible, some of the work has been scheduled during the school holidays and outwith peak times. Network Rail is working with ScotRail and North Lanarkshire Council to make sure alternative transport and signed road diversions are in place.

The works are part of ongoing developments in the Airdrie area. Work has already begun on Drumgelloch’s brand new station which will include 358 new car-parking spaces.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail’s director, Scotland said:

“We appreciate that the works will cause an impact to the local community. That is why we have worked to ensure that Towers Road Bridge is reopened before we start the major work on Carlisle Road Bridge.

“To minimise disruption, we have scheduled as much work as possible during the school holidays and we’re working with ScotRail and North Lanarkshire Council to make sure alternative transport and road diversions are in place.

“We thank residents and road users for their patience as we work to complete this next phase.”

Graham Mackay, head of roads and transportation for North Lanarkshire Council, said:

“We understand that the work required may cause inconvenience for local people. However, we have worked in partnership with Network Rail and Strathclyde Police throughout the planning stages to keep disruption to a minimum.

“Suitable diversions will be in place to minimise disruption while this important development is carried out.”

Work to the new Drumgelloch station started on Sunday 9^th May. During the construction phase, bus replacement services will run until the new station opens along with the Airdrie-Bathgate line in December 2010.  Until then, Airdrie will be the nearest station except between 17-26 July when it will also close temporarily to allow a new platform and footbridge to be constructed and easy-access lifts and stairs to be installed.  During this short period alternative transport will be arranged between Airdrie and Coatbridge Sunnyside

The Airdrie-Bathgate rail link is funded by Transport Scotland.

Key dates at a glance:

14 June – Carlisle Road closed for up to eight weeks

17 July – Airdrie station closed for a period of nine days

16 Aug – Carlisle Road reopens