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Thursday 8 Jun 2023

Vegetation clearance planned on West Coast main line between Cambuslang and Uddingston

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail will soon begin overnight tree and vegetation management on a 4 mile stretch of the West Coast main line between Cambuslang and Uddingston.

From June 12 until November, our teams will work around-the-clock to clear trees and vegetation from land along the railway boundary.

Overgrown or dangerous trees can cause faults with overhead power lines, obscure signals or damage passing trains if left unmanaged. Other trees within falling distance of the railway will also be selectively felled or cut-back as part of Network Rail’s commitment to running a safe and reliable railway.

Ahead of the work, environmental surveys have been carried out and the area has been inspected for nesting birds and protected species. We have also worked with our ecologists to minimise the impact of the work on the environment.

We have written to those living closest to the line with information detailing our work programme and have included FAQs to help alleviate any concerns.

Kirsty Armstrong, Scheme Project Manager, said: “We manage thousands of miles of trees and vegetation along our tracks and projects like this one are vital to maintaining safety and making sure the railway runs efficiently.

“Unfortunately, some of this work must be carried out at night to help keep our teams, passengers, and lineside neighbours safe. We have asked those working on site to do so with consideration for the local community and we thank you for your patience and understanding.”

If anyone has further questions about this work, they can contact Network Rail’s 24hr National helpline on 03457 11 41 41.