Build of £20m Reston train station nears completion

Network Rail

THE new £20 million fully accessible Reston train station is to open in May, Transport Scotland has confirmed.

Bam Nuttall has led works on the Scottish Government funded project with Network Rail managing the works, which first got underway in early 2021 – despite problems poised by the pandemic.

The new station will allow connectivity options to local public transport services in Berwickshire, active travel provision, and 70 park and ride car parking spaces – including over 20 electric vehicle charging stations.

Transport Scotland said that the station will deliver a ‘step-change’ in terms of public transport for accessibility for East Berwickshire communities. It added that it will ‘transform’ connectivity to Scotland’s railway – bringing it within closer reach of the ‘principle economic centres’ of Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Jenny Gilruth, Scottish Government minister for transport, commented, “This government has invested record levels to improve connectivity and since 2009, we have reconnected 14 communities to the rail network. Communities in and around Reston will undoubtedly look forward to the benefits that will be delivered by the return of rail services for the first time in more than half a century.

“Efficient and effective rail services, which encourage people to choose to travel locally and further afield by train, for work, training, education, leisure and social activities, are vital to Scotland’s future.

“Reston Station will help towards the transformation of the local economy, deliver on our net zero ambitions and create a fairer, greener Scotland.”

Alex Hynes, MD of Scotland’s Railway, added, “The opening of Reston Station for services is another fantastic achievement for Scotland’s railway. This £20 million investment delivers a fully accessible station reconnecting Reston and the surrounding communities to the rail network. It provides local people with greater choice to travel by train and use public transport as we seek to make Scotland a greener place to live and work.”