NETWORK RAIL CONFIDENT AHEAD OF AIRDRIE-BATHGATE FINAL STAGE DEBATE
Wednesday March 28, 2007
A Bill that proposes the construction of a new GBP 300 million railway line between Airdrie and Bathgate is expected to pass its final parliamentary milestone this afternoon when it becomes the subject of a conclusive debate and vote.
The Scottish Parliament previously gave unanimous support for the general principles of the Bill at the end of November last year. Today's Final Stage debate follows detailed consideration of the Bill and wide consultation with key stakeholders on issues relating to the project. These include: bus integration; cycle path alignment; housing developments; the code of construction practice; and the noise and vibration policy.
Speaking ahead of the debate Ron McAulay, Network Rail's Director, Scotland said: "Today's Final Stage debate is the milestone we've all been waiting for; a positive vote will give us the green light to reopen the Airdrie-Bathgate railway that has been closed for 50 years. So far our Bill has had unanimous, cross-party support during its passage through Parliament and I am very confident that this will be the case again this afternoon."
If the Bill is passed, it is anticipated that services will be running on the new railway in 2010. This will bring passenger benefits including an increased number of services; shorter travel times; improved reliability of existing services; better access to employment, education and social opportunities; and a reduction in passenger congestion. The environmental benefits include offering a public transport alternative to travelling by car via the M8 and reducing congestion.