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Thursday 3 Aug 2023

Work begins to renew bridges over the Neilston railway line

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A Sunday and Monday line closure will be trialled for the first time on Scotland’s Railway as preparatory bridge works get underway on the Neilston branch line.

Engineers will replace the abutments and deck of the bridge which connects the Balgray Reservoir footpath to Springfield Road on 13-14 August and 20-21 August.

The bridge is showing signs of deterioration and when the work is complete it will remove a long-standing weight restriction from the structure.

Data has shown that Saturdays are now the most popular day for people to travel, so to reflect this new pattern, the line closure will be in place on the Sunday and Monday instead of on Saturday and Sunday.

Network Rail, ScotRail and contractor AMCOGiffen will publicise the disruption and change to train services to passengers and those who travel regularly.

During the works, while the line is closed to passenger trains, a disused bridge near to Neilston station will also be removed.

A rail-mounted KIROW crane will be used to carry out the work to remove the bridges.

Susan Menmuir, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail, said: “We understand that diverting the Balgray Reservoir footpath may be inconvenient and we thank the local community in advance for bearing with us whilst we complete this essential work.

“The new bridge will be both stronger and safer and will provide Dams to Darnley visitors with a walking route to Balgray Reservoir for years to come.”