GREEN LIGHT FOR LAUNCH OF AIRDRIE TO BATHGATE RAIL STUDY
Monday February 23, 2004
A study has been launched to assess the viability of the re-opening of the Airdrie to Bathgate railway link.
The Central Scotland Transport Corridor Study (CSTCS) identified the re-opening of the Airdrie Bathgate rail line, to potentially allow fast services connecting West Lothian and North Lanarkshire with Edinburgh and Glasgow, as a prime public transport project for development in Central Scotland.
The proposal is to reinstate the 15-mile section of line between Drumgelloch station and Bathgate. The line was last used for freight in 1982 and passengers journeys ceased back in 1956. Promoters of the project believe that it will lead to a range of economic, social and environmental benefits including linking the jobs markets of West Lothian and Lanarkshire directly to those of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and taking cars off the congested M8 Motorway.
The initial programme of technical assessments and public consultation activity - which is being supported by the Scottish Executive, West Lothian Council, North Lanarkshire Council, and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive – will be completed in the Spring.
Councillor Jimmy Coyle, Convener of North Lanarkshire Council’s Planning and Environment Committee, commented: “The main aim of this study is to assess the requirements for the re-opening of the Airdrie Bathgate rail link. We believe the re-opening of the line would bring significant benefits to communities in both North Lanarkshire and West Lothian and we want to hear what these communities think of the proposals. We want to hear from landowners, interest groups and members of the public in general. We need to take your views on board before we progress any potential development of the rail line – so let us know what you think.”
Councillor Willie Dunn of West Lothian Council, said: “West Lothian Council and North Lanarkshire Council have long recognised the importance of re-opening the Airdrie to Bathgate line to provide a robust public transport link between the two areas. This is a project of national importance in that it would provide a much-needed fast link between Edinburgh and Glasgow and the settlements in between. We are still at a relatively early stage in the whole process and as such we are keen to hear from anyone who has a view on the concept of opening the rail line.”
The majority of the route is currently used as a cycle path. If re-instatement went ahead this would be re-routed to allow for a new double railway track. A study of the route carried out last year has also identified access roads and pathways crossing the proposed line along with the bridges. All these details will be considered as part of a more detailed assessment to be carried out in the forthcoming months.