THORNLIEBANK road bridge is to be demolished and reconstructed in a £5.5 million project forming part of the electrification of the railway corridor between East Kilbride and Glasgow.
The bridge crosses the railway near Thornliebank Railway Station, with it currently not allowing for enough space underneath to install the required overhead line equipment for the electric trains to run on the line.
Network Rail will create the appropriate clearance during the work, while installing the overhead line equipment and creating a new road surface as part of the bridge reconstruction – with work set to get underway on the 14-month programme on April 2.
Simon Humble, project manager at Network Rail, said, “During the work we’re urging everyone to leave a bit more time for their journeys.
“The work we’re completing at Thornliebank will not only allow us to create the space to install the overhead line equipment that is essential to electrifying the railway but will benefit drivers through a new and improved road surface.
“This investment in electrifying the East Kilbride to Glasgow railway corridor will mean we can run electric trains on the line. In turn, that will help us improve our environmental impact as part of the Scottish Government’s strategy to decarbonise Scotland’s Railway.
“We understand that closing a road bridge temporarily is never ideal, however, this project simply can’t be completed without the closure due to the nature of the work.
“In the meantime, we’re inviting members of the public to meet our team next month and find out more about the work, as well as the overall enhancements we’re making to the railway through Thornliebank.”
