Welcome to the official website for the Airdrie Bathgate Rail Link project

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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.

Project timeline

1956
The passenger line between Airdrie and Bathgate is closed
1982
The freight line between Airdrie and Bathgate is closed and the rail lines removed
1986
The line between Bathgate and Edinburgh is re-opened as a single track railway
2002-2003
The Central Scotland Transport Corridor Study (CSTCS) identifies Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link as a key transport priority
February 2004
The Scottish Government gives the green light for the project
May 2004
Consultation with the public and stakeholders begins
May 2005
Network Rail takes role of Promoter and Project Manager of the project
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 the go-ahead for construction is given
June 2008
Construction begins with ‘Advanced Works’: Double tracking the Bathgate – Edinburgh line and upgrading Livingston North and Uphall Stations
October 2008
Double-tracking of the Bathgate—Edinburgh line is complete and the second track opens to passengers
December 2008
Preparation for construction of the new line between Bathgate and Drumgelloch starts (includes clearing vegetation and stabilising underground mines)
April 2009
Construction of the new line and stations between Bathgate and Drumgelloch begins
May 2009
‘Advanced Works’ complete including upgrades to Livingston North and Uphall Stations
December 2010
All works are completed, trains are running on the line and the new cycle path is opened