Major work as part of Barrhead to Glasgow electrification set to begin

The next stage in preparing for the electrification of the line between Barrhead and Glasgow gets underway at the end of next month.

Between Saturday, 24th June and Friday, 4th August, engineers will be working around-the-clock to install overhead power cables, carry out ducting work and modify parapets at Kennishead, Priesthill & Darnley, Nitshill, and Barrhead. The work is part of a Scottish Government investment to decarbonise Scotland's railway passenger services.

On 6th July, the existing footbridge at Nitshill station will be removed, as it doesn't provide the required clearance height for the new overhead equipment. It will be replaced by a new, longer ramp that offers step-free access to Platform 2, making it easier for people with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children, or cycles to access the platform.

Before the work at Nitshill station starts, Network Rail will hold drop-in community events for residents to find out more about the bridge replacement work and to meet project team members to ask them any questions they may have. Details about these drop-in events are available online at www.scotlandsrailway.com/projects/barrhead-glasgow-electrification

While the work is ongoing, there will also be reduced train services between Glasgow and Kilmarnock, and to/from Glasgow to Crossmyloof and Pollokshaws West stations. Trains between Carlisle, Dumfries, and Glasgow will terminate at Kilmarnock from where rail-replacement bus services will operate between Kilmarnock and Glasgow.

Customers are being advised to check before traveling at www.scotrail.co.uk/glasgow-kilmarnockclosure or via www.nationalrail.co.uk

As part of the work, last year, A new bridge was reconstructed over the Glasgow to Barrhead line at Nithsdale Road in Glasgow's Southside.

Paul Reilly, Network Rail senior programme manager, said: “Electrification continues to transform travel, with 325 single track kilometres of new electric railway delivered across the central belt over the last decade.

“The Barrhead to Glasgow electrification project represents the current phase of our wider decarbonisation programme and our drive to create a greener, cleaner and more reliable railway.

“The six weeks of work marks a major milestone for the project, as our engineers work around the clock to complete this critical final phase of the programme, as this will then allow us to test the new overhead equipment in the run-up to the line being fully energised on 6 August.”

“We do appreciate the impact this activity will have on those living closest to the work and are grateful to the community for their continued patience while we complete this vital part of the project.”

“We also understand the inconvenience these works will cause to passengers and are encouraging customers to leave extra time for travel and plan journeys in advance.”

David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “This project is another fantastic step forward for Scotland's Railway, electrifying more of the network, and supporting our journey to carbon zero.

“We will do everything we can to keep our customers moving during the works, and we urge people to plan ahead, taking alternative routes to and from Glasgow, or using our replacement bus services.

“Customers should check our social media channels, website, and app for up-to-date information on how to complete their journey.”