The line which runs between Rutherglen and Exhibition Centre re-opened on Monday the 9th of May as a £32m improvement project completed
The work was successfully carried out by Network Rail and took place over a period of 8 weeks and has seen substantial engineering works carried out. The line was closed on Sunday the 13th of March in order to allow engineers to undertake the work which saw the repair and renewal of tunnels, bridges and tracks on the route.
The project was carefully designed in order to bring improvements in punctuality and reliability for passengers into the future and has seen the most significant engineering work carried out in a generation.
500 Tonnes of concrete encasement from tunnels have been removed by engineers and 700 structural beams have been repainted alongside more than 1,000 square metres of waterproofing applied.
All of the ScotRail services impacted by the work were back in action in time for Monday morning service.
Jenny Gilruth, Transport Minister, said:
“Passengers will undoubtedly welcome the news that this particular programme of work and its associated closures have come to an end. I'd like to thank them for their patience throughout, particularly users of Anderston station. I would also like to thank all of the staff at Network Rail and ScotRail who have facilitated these improvements, delivering them on time and within budget.
“The Scottish Government has provided £32m of funding for this work and will continue to significantly invest in rail infrastructure and services in Scotland which helps us to attract passengers back to rail. It is vital that we deliver reliable infrastructure and do so in a manner that minimises the impact of disruption to passengers and freight.
“Any project of this scale brings with it a number of challenges but at the same time also delivers significant improvements to Scotland's Railway for passengers, including a reduction in the need for future disruption arising from any future works.
Jeremy Spence, programme manager, Network Rail, said:
“I am pleased that this major programme of work to the Argyle line has been completed both on time and within budget.
“The complexity of a project that covers multiple worksites, involves a range of disciplines, not to mention the mobilisation of plant and equipment, is not without significant challenges. It's a credit to the Network Rail project team, our contractors and supply chain partners that every element was delivered safely and on time.
“The outcome is a comprehensive programme of improvements and enhancements that futureproof Scotland's Railway for passengers, as work on this scale will not be required for many years to come.
“Closing part of our infrastructure is something done rarely, as we fully appreciate the impact of this on our customers. Our decision was weighed against whether it was best to complete the work over an intense period of time by closing the line completely or prolong it over many months by only being able to undertake work at weekends.
“I would like to thank all the passengers whose travel plans have been affected for their patience and understanding over the past eight weeks.”
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:
“This was an ambitious programme of work and it's great to see that it's been completed on time, within budget, and with alternative transport arrangements working well for customers.
“The work has helped future proof the line and customers can look forward to a better journey experience.
“We'd ask them for a little bit more patience as we carry out further essential work at Anderston station over the next four weeks.
“We'll be upgrading the entrance, booking office, concourse and platforms and installing a lift for better customer access.
“This is all part of our strategy to make ScotRail fit for the future with investment in infrastructure, more reliable timetables, and great offers like the half-price ticket sale which begins on 9 May.”
The huge project has also seen improvement work at Anderston station and will see the station closure extended by four weeks until Monday the 6th of June. The station will see engineers undertake essential work at the entrance, booking office, concourse and platforms.
The extended closure will allow the majority of the critical work to be finished ahead of plans and will see a reduction in the overall renovation of the station by 12 weeks with completion now expected in autumn rather than December 2022.
Following completion, Anderston station will have a lift which will provide better accessibility for customers, it will also feature a remodelled booking office alongside modern detailing for the stairs, floors and ceilings. The programme of work for the station will also see the external parts of the station improved with a contemporary glazed entrance with improved outdoor lighting.
To find out up to date information for the Argyle line please visit: https://www.scotrail.co.uk
