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Network Rail started work in and around the station in January 2006. Since then, the project team has worked tirelessly to deliver the major works within budget and ahead of schedule. In total, nearly one million man hours have been worked to complete: · Over 1km of new and extended platforms · 4 new platforms at Edinburgh Waverley (new platforms 1, 3, 10 and 20) · 2 new escalators · 2 new passenger lifts · Extensive remodelling of tracks and signalling to increase the number of trains that can travel through the station Looking to the future, the redevelopment of Edinburgh Waverley will play a key role in achieving other strategic priorities for the Scottish Government and Network Rail. Having improved access to the station for passengers and increased capacity for more trains, Waverley is now capable of bringing new services, such as the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link, to and from the Capital. RETURNING SERVICES On 9th December, the new permanent rail timetable will be introduced. With the track remodelling in the west of the station, or ‘west throat’, and platform improvements now complete, passengers using services departing from and terminating at Haymarket since December 2006 will be able to travel into Waverley again. That includes Newcraighall-Bathgate-Dunblane through services and all Fife Circle services, and a full timetable reinstated between Edinburgh and West Calder. A number of other services to and from Edinburgh Waverley will be subject to minor retimings intended to improve punctuality. New timetables are now available in the station and passengers requiring information on train times may contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50. GNER trains will return to normal service from today, continuing from Waverley to Glasgow Central station via Motherwell. WAVERLEY BRIDGE WORKS Over the Christmas period the Waverley project team will be lending a hand to the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link Project. To allow electric trains to operate into the station for the new rail link, Network Rail will create the necessary fittings on Waverley Bridge to enable overhead line structures and electric cables to be installed. In addition, the tracks running through the middle Mound Tunnel will be lowered to provide clearance for overhead wires to run above the trains. FAST FACTS Transport Scotland is funding the GBP 150 million investment in Edinburgh Waverley and the work is being delivered by Network Rail. At 23 acres, Edinburgh Waverley is Britain's second largest train station outside London, accommodating over 23.5 million annual passengers and 576 trains every day. Over the past 15 years, the number of trains has increased by 50% and passenger numbers across Scotland are predicted to rise by around 3% each year. WAVERLEY WORKS IN NUMBERS 1.3 km new platforms 37 new signals 470 consecutive days safe working 3,690 metres of new track 8,064 sleepers 27,000 tonnes of spoil removed 942,678 man hours worked 1,250,000 engineering bricks used NEXT STEPS Looking ahead, we will be installing nearly 100 bases and other structures in advance of engineering work in the Mound Tunnel and Waverley Bridge for electrification In the coming months, a programme of work will also continue to add the finishing touches to the station. Included in this work is the installation of new modern passenger information boards for all platforms, new security cameras, improvements to the staircases at Calton Road, platforms 8 and 9, and Market Street as well as new bench seating at locations throughout the station. By July next year, Network Rail will also have successfully completed the transition of signalling operations to our £13 million state-of-the-art 'Integrated Electronic Control Centre'. This new centre controls all the immediate areas around Edinburgh as well as the Borders and Fife and is a major step forward in modernising operations fit for the 21st century. New rail franchises operating in Waverley: From 11 November Cross Country route: CrossCountry Trains From 9 December TransPennine: TransPennine Express From 9 December: East Coast Main Line: National Express East Coast