More Glasgow bridges replaced as part of Scottish railway project

As part of a GBP140m improvement project Network Rail[1] has demolished two more bridges on the East Kilbride[2] line. The engineers have finished the work, marking the latest phase of the East Kilbride enhancements project, which took place at Thornliebank Road on the south side of Glasgow, and at Westerton[3] Lane near Busby station.

Westerton Lane bridge before demolition // Credit: Network Rail

A replacement bridge was hoisted into position at Westerton Lane after the demolition of the original structure, and a new structure is also slated for installation at Thornliebank Road. The new bridges will be constructed with ample clearance below to accommodate the installation of overhead line equipment, which will electrify the trains operating on this route[4].

Segments of the new Westerton Lane bridge being installed // Credit: Network Rail

Over last weekend, a third structure, an accessible footbridge, was hoisted into place at the new Hairmyres[5] station, and drainage work was also finished between Hairmyres and East Kilbride stations.

Additionally, a GBP5 million track renewal project aimed at enhancing service reliability has commenced at Busby Junction, the convergence point of the East Kilbride and Barrhead[6] lines.

Thornliebank Road bridge demolition // Credit: Network Rail

Services have since resumed operation. No trains could run on the line during the work, which took place between the early hours of Saturday, 28 September, until Tuesday 1 October. Since the start of this project work as progressed rapidly.

The first of the new footbridges has already been opened to the public back in March[7] and while work on East Kilbride's new station[8] is still on going.

"We're really pleased to have been able to complete these critical elements of the East Kilbride enhancement project.

These works are designed to enhance and improve the infrastructure for our passengers and freight customers for years to come.

We appreciate that there's never a great time to close lines and our thanks go to passengers and the wider community for their patience over the weekend."

Paul Reilly, senior programme manager, Network Rail

References

1. ^ Posts tagged with Network Rail (www.railadvent.co.uk)
2. ^ Posts tagged with East Kilbride (www.railadvent.co.uk)
3. ^ Posts tagged with Westerton (www.railadvent.co.uk)
4. ^ The new bridges will be constructed with ample clearance below to accommodate the installation of overhead line equipment, which will electrify the trains operating on this route (www.railadvent.co.uk)
5. ^ Posts tagged with Hairmyres (www.railadvent.co.uk)
6. ^ Posts tagged with Barrhead (www.railadvent.co.uk)
7. ^ The first of the new footbridges has already been opened to the public back in March (www.railadvent.co.uk)
8. ^ while work on East Kilbride's new station (www.railadvent.co.uk)