Tree cutting on the railway between Glasgow and East Kilbride will start again in March, Network Rail has announced.
The work has been paused recently in response to concerns caused by communities around the scope of the work.
Network Rail has listened to this feedback and revisited its approach at completing the work.
The work aims to deliver a safe railway, and the removal of large trees is important for rail safety.
Clearing the trees and vegetation along the 11-mile railway will begin in March and will be ongoing until late July.
As well as vegetation clearance, this work will include a general tidy up and will address any issues with fencing.
Community drop-ins will be held at:-
- 4 pm – 7 pm
- Monday 24 February
- Kirktonholme Hall
- 111 Kirktonholme Rd,
- East Kilbride,
- Glasgow G74 1BB
- 4 pm – 7 pm
- Monday 2 March
- Giffnock Library
- Station Road,
- Giffnock,
- East Renfrewshire, G46 6JF
- 4 pm – 7 pm
- Thursday 5 March
- Pollok Ex Serviceman's club
- 111 Titwood Road, Crossmyloof
- Glasgow G41 2DG
The equipment which will be used to clear the vegetation will include chainsaws, and chipping machines as well as ‘on track' plant and machinery.
People can ask any questions or raise any concerns by contacting Network Rail on 03457 11 41 41.
What did the officials say?
Katie Vollbracht, Network Rail's senior sponsor for the programme, said;
“We fully understand the concerns raised by lineside communities and felt it was important to revisit our approach to seek ways in which we could minimise the removal of trees.
“Our aim during this work will be to proactively identify any safeguarded species, roosts and habitats of value and look at ways we can safely retain trees out-with the six-metre corridor.
“While we will do what we can to minimise any disturbance from the vegetation management, we understand that this work will be noisy at times and apologise for any inconvenience.”
Where Next?
RailAdvent Plus
Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Network Rail
Visit their website
Will the East Kilbride branch line could be electrified in the future and to operate electric trains between Glasgow Central and East Kilbride via Pollokshaws West including Class 318, Class 320, Class 380 and Class 385 EMU’s to be used. As the Class 385s have replaced the Class 314s. And to transfer the Class 156 DMU Super Sprinters operating on the East Kilbride branch line to be used elsewhere.