IT'S OFF TO WORK FOR THE AIRDRIE-BATHGATE TEAM
Tuesday July 31, 2007
On 21st June, Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, joined Ron McAulay in commemorating the beginning of work on the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link.
From L-R: Ron McAulay, Director, Scotland, Network Rail and Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change taking part in ceremonial sod-cutting at Livingston North Station, 21 June 2007
The first phase of the £300 million investment project has now begun. Advance Works will include doubling the track on the existing Edinburgh-Bathgate branch line and upgrading Livingston North and Uphall Stations. Once complete, passengers using existing Bathgate-Edinburgh services will benefit from enhanced performance and reliability as early as the end of 2008.
The new rail link will be completed in December 2010 with four trains an hour in each direction.
Ron McAulay, Director, Scotland, Network Rail said:
"This investment drives forward our commitment to addressing growth in passenger numbers in the region. The Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link will improve connectivity for communities in central Scotland, opening up economic, educational and social opportunities and providing a realistic public transport alternative to access them."
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:
"I am delighted this work is underway. The project will open an important door of opportunity for the communities and economy in the Central Scotland corridor.