FULL SPEED AHEAD AT NEWBRIDGE JUNCTION
Thursday November 20, 2008
The final speed restriction has just been lifted at Newbridge Junction, following vital rail infrastructure improvements at this key intersection to the west of Edinburgh. Trains will now be able to travel through this junction at a maximum of 100mph.
The improvements included upgrading of signalling and track remodelling to accomodate the additional services which will run on this line in years to come. This enhances the capacity and reliability of Newbridge within central Scotland’s rail network.
Currently this junction sees approximately 270 passengers and freight trains pass through it every day. With at least two more trains per hour at peak times planned, this number is set to increase over the next five years.
The works were an essential part of the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link project, which will see an electrified, fully double tracked railway link along many communities which currently have limited access to public transport between Edinburgh and Glasgow, by the end of 2010. Newbridge is also a key junction for the main Glasgow-Edinburgh route via Falkirk High.
The contractors also took the opportunity to undertake some landscaping maintenance within the operational area at Newbridge Junction.
To view the transformation of Newbridge Junction as well as other project milestones, check out our online gallery: http://www.airdriebathgateraillink.co.uk/project/gallery/