A NEW update on the works that will close several train stations for weeks has revealed the upgrades will cost £63.3million.

The work, which is part of the Scottish Governments investment to decarbonise the country’s railways, will take place between Saturday, June 24, and Friday August 4.

Engineers are set to be working around-the-clock to deliver key upgrades to prepare the Barrhead to Glasgow line for electrification.

The project will include activity at four stations – Kennishead, Priesthill and Darnley, Nitshill, and Barrhead, as rail workers will be installing overhead power cables that are needed to introduce electric services on the route, as well as carrying out ducting work and parapet modifications.

Additionally, Network Rail have said work will also be completed to remove the existing footbridge at Nitshill station on July 6.

The bridge will be replaced by a new, longer ramp, which will introduce step-free access to Platform 2.

With the line being closed throughout the works, to minimise disruption for passengers, replacement bus services will be in place between Kilmarnock and Glasgow.

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 August 6.

“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.”

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

While a replacement bus service will be in operation between Glasgow and Kilmarnock, there will also be reduced services to/from Glasgow to Crossmyloof and Pollokshaws West stations and trains between Carlisle, Dumfries, and Glasgow will terminate at Kilmarnock for a connecting bus service.

David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “This project is another fantastic step forward to Scotland’s Railway, electrifying more of the network, and support out 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.”

You can find out more information on the drop-in events regarding Nitshill station, HERE.