Rail line now closed until May for major upgrade

Engineers are installing overhead power lines to East Kilbride

Author: Rob WallerPublished 25th Jan 2025

From today the East Kilbride-Glasgow rail line will undergo a significant transformation as part of a £140 million electrification project.

The upgrade, delivered by Network Rail as part of a Scottish Government investment, aims to decarbonise rail services and improve reliability for passengers.

The closure will last for 16 weeks, ending on Sunday, 18 May, during which no trains will run between East Kilbride and Thornliebank stations.

Engineers will work around the clock to deliver critical improvements to the track, bridges, and overhead line equipment.

The electrification project is set to be completed by December 2025 and will deliver several enhancements.

The Glasgow to East Kilbride route will be fully electrified and a completely new station will be built at East Kilbride.

Better access

There will also be a new station at Hairmyres will feature two platforms and an accessible footbridge.

Accessibility improvements include a new footbridge at Busby station, improved access at Giffnock with an accessible footbridge, and a new station entrance at Clarkston.

The double track between East Kilbride and Hairmyres will be lengthened.

Infrastructure upgrades will include 22km of new overhead power cables and lowered track near Busby, Clarkston, and Giffnock to accommodate overhead lines under bridges.

Gerry McQuade, Network Rail’s Capital Delivery Director, acknowledged the impact of the closure, stating: “Closing the railway is never an easy decision, but the engineering work taking place over these 16 weeks can only be done when no trains are running.

“This approach allows the completion of these major works in the most efficient, fastest way.”

To mitigate inconvenience, a replacement bus service will operate, ensuring passengers can still travel while the rail line is closed.

ScotRail’s Service Delivery Director, Mark Ilderton, assured customers that an alternate transport plan would be communicated through all customer information channels in the coming weeks.

Finished by the end of the year

Transport Scotland’s Head of Rail Projects and Technical Services, Damian Briody, praised the planning behind the project: “Whilst any disruption to passengers is unwelcome, we acknowledge the careful consideration which has gone into delivering the significant improvement works taking place during the closure.”

Passengers are encouraged to explore alternative travel options and stay updated on the replacement bus services and routes provided by ScotRail.

The new Hairmyres station is scheduled to open in May 2025, and the overall electrification project will be completed by December 2025.

This investment represents a transformative step forward for Scotland’s Railway, offering greener, more reliable transport for the East Kilbride-Glasgow route.

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