MAJOR ENGINEERING WORKS COMPLETED
Thursday October 23, 2008
Following a nine day closure on the Bathgate branch line and a seven day partial closure of the Edinburgh to Glasgow line, the Airdrie-Bathgate project moves one step closer to completion. The work included signalling and track remodelling works at Newbridge junction in West Edinburgh, new platforms at Livingston and Uphall stations, and the line being double tracked all the way from Newbridge to Bathgate, meaning an immediate improvement in reliability for passengers.
Attention now turns to the completion of new station infrastructure and preparation works for the new stretch of line between Airdrie and Bathgate.
Hugh Wark, senior project manager for Network Rail said: “This was one of the most difficult parts of the whole project, integrating as it does the upgraded Bathgate line into the main Edinburgh – Glasgow route. A massive team effort between Network Rail and our various contractors has contributed to this success and thanks must go to everyone who helped us to deliver this part of the project on time.”
The works are part of the £300 million Transport Scotland funded Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link Project that will reopen the passenger line between Airdrie and Bathgate, double-tracked and electrified, giving communities in central Scotland access to rail travel to both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The following work has now been completed:
* 10 miles of plain line track
* 17 sets of rail points
* 40 signals
* Two new modern computerised electronic signalling systems and one railway signalling control system
* 11 bridges demolished and/or rebuilt
* 50,000 tonnes earthworks
* Two new station platforms