ScotRail has issued a travel warning as two railway bridges on a busy Glasgow line will be destroyed this weekend.

Network Rail will remove the bridges on Thornliebank Road in Glasgow’s Southside and Westerton Lane near Busby station in East Renfrewshire as part of the £140m East Kilbride enhancement project.

Both of the structures are being replaced from September 28 until October 1 to create enough space underneath for new overhead line equipment that will allow electric trains to run on the route.

READ MORE: No trains to run on two busy Glasgow railway lines as major works get underway

Meanwhile, at the same time, a new accessible bridge will be craned into position at the new Hairmyres station, with drainage works also taking place between Hairmyres and East Kilbride stations.

Additionally, a separate £5m track renewal project, designed to improve service reliability, will begin at Busby Junction, where the East Kilbride and Barrhead lines meet.

Due to the major works, no trains will run on both lines from 1.15am on Saturday, September 28 until 5.30am on Tuesday, October 1.

(Image: Newsquest) Ahead of the works, ScotRail is urging customers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

They say during the project, there will be a bus replacement service in place, which will include a minibus service between Busby and Thortonhall due to road restrictions.

However, buses will not call at Thornliebank during the closure.

Customers are being advised to use other local routes for rail travel from Muirend, Langside, and Pollokshaws East or other sustainable travel options. 

Due to the disruption, customers are also being warned journeys may take longer than train services usually do and fewer seats will be available for those travelling.

READ MORE: Milestone reached on major works on Glasgow railway line

READ MORE: Plans for new railway bridge granted approval by council

 

 

Paul Reilly, senior programme manager, Network Rail, said: “We’re advising passengers to plan ahead as no trains will run on both the East Kilbride and Barrhead lines on Saturday, September 28, Sunday, September 29 and Monday, September 30.

“Closing both lines is the only way we can safely deliver the bridge demolitions.

“We’re also using this closure to deliver other critical elements of the project, such as the bridge lift at Hairmyres, so that an additional closure of the line will not be required.

“Our thanks to go passengers and the wider community for their patience and understanding while we deliver these vital parts of the project.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, added: “The works being carried out by Network Rail this weekend are absolutely critical in the latest phase of the project to upgrade the railway between Glasgow and East Kilbride.  

“Unfortunately, it does mean that we need to run a replacement bus service while the railway is closed, and we are urging customers to plan their journey in advance.  

“We will do everything we can to keep people moving, and we are looking forward to the fantastic benefits this project will bring for customers.”