A 'significant milestone' on the project to enhance the East Kilbride to Glasgow railway line has been reached.
Network Rail has said engineers have completed major works across the route between Friday, July 19 and Monday, July 22, with passenger services now running again following the closure of the line during the work.
The rail firm says the closure of the line allowed the remaining steel pile foundations to be installed between Busby and Thornliebank as part of a £140million enhancement to electrify the railway.
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Meanwhile, overhead line steelwork was also installed over a viaduct near Busby with trackside cabinets and more than 60 metres of cabling that power signalling equipment being relocated to the new Hairmyres station.
Ahead of the works, the project completed the installation of 24-steel foundations that will support the new footbridge and lifts at Hairmyres.
(Image: Supplied)
Now, Network Rail has said three more days of continuous work are planned for the last weekend in September (Friday, September 28 until Monday, September 30).
The rail company says this is to allow the demolition of bridges at Thornliebank Road and Westerton Crescent near Busby station.
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Stephen McCall, Network Rail senior programme manager, said: “I would like to thank passengers and residents for their patience and understanding as we delivered these vital engineering works.
“Having an extended period on the railway allowed the enhancement project to take a significant step forward, as we’ve been able to deliver some elements more quickly.
“At the end of September, we have another opportunity to work continuously to deliver another major part of the project.
“Thornliebank Road bridge represents the largest civil structure we’re replacing on the route.
"To ensure efficiencies in terms of delivery, we’ll also remove the footbridge near Busby station at the same time.
"We’ll be updating the community and passengers in advance of this work starting.
“The project is now at a stage where people can really start to see the transformation of the railway environment, which ultimately will provide a more sustainable and reliable mode of travel for passengers.”
The project is expected to be completed in December 2025.
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