No trains will run on two busy Glasgow railway lines for several days as major works get underway next month.
Network Rail says the next steps in a huge investment across the East Kilbride and Barrhead railway lines is set to begin in September.
The rail firm will demolish and replace bridges on Thornliebank Road in Glasgow’s Southside, and Westerton Lane near Busby station as part of the £140million East Kilbride Enhancement Project.
READ MORE: Milestone reached on major works on Glasgow railway line
Both bridges are being removed from September 28 to October 1 ahead of their replacement next year.
They are being removed to create enough space underneath for new overhead line equipment that will allow electric trains to run on the route.
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 £5million track renewal project - designed to improve service reliability - will begin at Busby Junction, where the East Kilbride and Barrhead lines connect.
Due to this, Network Rail says no trains will run on both lines from 1.15am on Saturday, September 28 until 5.30am on Tuesday, October 1.
Services won't run on the lines to allow the work to take place, however, replacement buses will be running for passengers.
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Meanwhile, ahead of the bridge demolitions, the existing footbridge that serves the footpath between platforms one and two at Thornliebank station is being removed overnight on Saturday, September 21.
A diversionary route will be in place during that work via a temporary footbridge on Thornliebank Road.
Paul Reilly, senior programme manager, Network Rail, said: “The last weekend in September will see the delivery of multiple engineering works as the East Kilbride Enhancement Project continues to push forward.
“We understand that there may be some inconvenience as our teams work around the clock at several locations.
"The bridge demolitions, however, can only take place during a period of continuous working, with no trains running on the route.
“Rather than having a separate disruptive closure of the line, we’re maximising this closure to deliver other critical elements, such as the bridge lift at Hairmyres.
"This will mean an additional closure of the line will not be required for that work.
“We thank passengers and the wider community for their patience and understanding while we deliver these works.”
READ MORE: Network Rail re-opens new and improved bridge near Glasgow
Eddie McLoone, project manager, at Network Rail, said: “Our aim across all these works is to enhance and improve the infrastructure for our passengers and freight customers.
“The work to Busby Junction is critical engineering that will help improve reliability.
"Although there will be short-term disruption, the long-term benefits mean that by renewing the junction, work won’t be required on this scale for many years to come.”
Network Rail says customers can check the status of their journeys for East Kilbride to Glasgow and Glasgow to Barrhead/Kilmarnock on the ScotRail/Network Rail websites.
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