Work begins on electrification of railway between Haymarket and Dalmeny

Network Rail

NINE days of major engineering work will begin this weekend to prepare the railway in Fife and connecting routes for electrification.

The railway line will close between Haymarket and Dalmeny between 17-25 January and undergo significant infrastructure changes.

Several bridges will be rebuilt and sections of track lowered to create space for overhead power lines. The upgrades are essential for installing the electrical equipment that will allow new battery-electric trains to run.

The project is part of a £342 million investment from the Scottish Government to electrify the Fife and Borders lines, helping to deliver a more sustainable railway for Scotland.

Catherine Hall, strategy and investment director at Network Rail Scotland, said, “Over nine days, our teams will carry out complex engineering work at multiple sites to get the route ready for future electrification. Bridge reconstructions, track alterations and systems changes have all been carefully planned to make sure the line can support the next generation of trains.

“A modern railway connects people to jobs, education and essential services, and underpins local economies. Investing now ensures the network can meet future demand and makes sustainable travel a practical choice for more journeys.

“We know the route to and from Fife is one of the busiest in Scotland and there’s never an ideal time to close it. We really appreciate the patience of passengers and local residents while these major improvements take place.”