The Project
See the progress on project construction by visiting our Gallery.
Network Rail is re-opening the Airdrie-Bathgate passenger rail link after 50 years of closure. The £300 million project also involves upgrading the existing lines between Bathgate and Edinburgh and between Airdrie and Drumgelloch. Once completed, the line will be double-tracked and electrified from Edinburgh to Glasgow and passengers will be able to travel continuously through to Helensburgh.
The new railway will bring considerable benefits for communities along the route, by creating a direct link to Edinburgh and the East and to Glasgow and the West.
The project is a major investment in Scotland's public transport network and is a key priority for Transport Scotland, the project funder.
How did we get here? >>
Where are we now? >>
How did we get here?
- 1956
- The passenger line between Airdrie and Bathgate is closed
- 1982
- The frieght line between Airdrie and Bathgate is closed and lines removed
- 1986
- The Bathgate branch line to Edinburgh is re-opened as single line railway
- 2002-2003
- Central Scotland Transport Corridor Study (CSTCS) identifies Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link as a key transport priority
- February 2004
- Scottish Government gives green light for the project
- May 2004
- Public and stakeholder consultation begins
- May 2005
- Network Rail takes role of Promoter and Project Manager
- May 2006
- The Airdrie-Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill is introduced to the Scottish Parliament
- March 2007
- The Act is passed unanimously by Parliament, achieving full cross-party support
- May 2007
- Royal Assent is granted and go-ahead for construction is given
- July 2007
- Construction begins
- Autumn 2007
- Begin double-tracking of Bathgate – Edinburgh line
Where are we now?
- 2008
Spring - Cycle path design surveys
Begin upgrade of Livingston North and Uphall Station - Summer
- Begin work at STVA depot
Finish works at Livingston North and Uphall Station - Autumn
- Finish double-tracking of Bathgate—Edinburgh line
Begin electrification of Bathgate—Edinburgh line
Begin construction of new Bathgate station - Winter
- Begin work on new cycle track
Begin work on the Bathgate—Drumgelloch line
New double tracked Bathgate—Edinburgh line opens
- 2009
Spring - Begin laying track and electrifying Bathgate—Drumgelloch line
Begin construction of Bathgate train maintenance depot and Armadale station
Finish construction of STVA depot - Summer
- Finish construction of Bathgate station and remove old station
Finish electrifying of Bathgate—Edinburgh line
Finish construction of Bathgate train maintenance depot and Armadale station - Autumn
- Finish Caldercruix station
- Winter
- Begin construction of new Drumgelloch station
- 2010
Spring - Finish work on new cycle track
Finish construction of new Drumgelloch station and remove old station - Summer
- Works to upgrade Airdrie station
Works to double track and electrifying Bathgate—Drumgelloch - Autumn
- Finish laying track and electrifying Bathgate—Drumgelloch line
Driver training and final checks - Winter
- Finish all works: trains running on the line