A-B PROJECT IN LINE FOR TRACK COMPLETION
Tuesday July 27, 2010
The reinstatement of the railway line between Airdrie and Bathgate remains on track as the laying of the new line reaches a crucial milestone.
The entire section of new line, connecting Bathgate and Drumgelloch will be laid by the end of August. Since June this year, 15km of new track has been laid, stretching from Bathgate to almost half way along Hillend Loch near Caldercruix. Just another 8.5km of track will complete the 23.5km new link.
A 200 tonne, mobile track laying machine has been instrumental in this achievement. Laying up to 1.2km of track each day along the route, it is faster and more cost effective than conventional track laying methods.
From mid-August, the track laying machine will be back on site to lay the final 7km between Hillend Loch and Drumgelloch.
The 1.5km stretch of railway track between Airdrie and Drumgelloch will be laid using conventional methods during the first weeks of August.
Hugh Wark, senior project manager commented:
The track laying machine has been a fantastic asset and I know that lots of people along the route have enjoyed seeing it in action.
“Completion of the track laying work is a major milestone. Track is the most identifiable evidence of a railway and I think it has lifted everyone to see it stretching along the new route.
“Completing the new tracks between Bathgate and Airdrie will be a great achievement for us and keeps us on course for finishing the project by December of this year.”