WORKS have progressed ‘significantly’ on Network Rail’s East Kilbride enhancement project, the rail organisation has said.
The 16-month programme started last month and involves the electrification of the route between East Kilbride and Glasgow; a relocated accessible railway station at Hairmyres; an upgraded, accessible station at East Kilbride; accessibility works at other stations; and 1.4km extension of the existing loop at Hairmyres.
From early January, ground works cleared an area of 20,000m2 to install a new access road to the newly created site compound and to allow works to begin on the new the Hairmyres station building and platforms.
Three bridge demolitions were delivered over Christmas and New Year to generate the required height clearance below two of the bridges for the new overhead electrification equipment. This includes the footbridge next to the existing Hairmyres station, which is due to re-open in early March and the road bridge at Thornton Road.
From March 4, 129 parking spaces at East Kilbride Railway Station will be used to house a site compound in operation until work to construct the new station building finishes in June 2025. In addition to welfare and office facilities for staff, the compound provides space for plant and materials being used to deliver the works.
Laura McWilliams, Network Rail senior programme manager for East Kilbride station works, said, “Since boots hit the ground towards the end of last year, we’ve made great progress on the East Kilbride enhancement project. We appreciate that in delivering this vital engineering work to electrify the East Kilbride to Glasgow line, we rely on the patience of the communities along the railway corridor and are grateful for this.
“We know that using part of the East Kilbride station car park, although temporary, will be an inconvenience to commuters and we thank them for their understanding. As the works at the station progress, we will continuously monitor our programme to see if there is any possibility that we can hand back spaces when safe to do so and in advance of June 2025.”
