The British rail infrastructure manager, Network Rail, has announced the awarding of GBP 61.5 million (EUR 70.6 million) worth of contracts for the delivery of the East Kilbride enhancement project.
The contracts have been awarded to Story Contracting, AmcoGiffen, SPL Powerlines, Siemens, Rail Systems Alliance Scotland and WSP to deliver 22.4 single track kilometres of electrified railway, as part of the Scottish Government’s wider plans to decarbonise passenger services across Scotland’s Railway.
“The awarding of these contracts is a significant milestone for the East Kilbride enhancement project and signals the start of the main delivery phase. We will work closely with contractors, train operators and other stakeholders to deliver these enhancements in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible, while minimising disruption for both lineside communities and passengers,” Gerry McQuade, Capital Delivery Director for Network Rail, said.
Over the next two years, electrification works will be implemented for the railway route between East Kilbride and Glasgow and a 1.4 km extension of the existing loop at Hairmyres will be built. The project also includes a relocated accessible station at Hairmyres, an upgraded, accessible station at East Kilbride and accessibility works at other stations.
Electric services will be introduced on the East Kilbride line following the completion of the project in December 2025 and will offer enhanced operational performance and flexibility of service on the route.
Engineers are currently carrying out ground investigation works on the line as part of the project, with bridge clearance works due to take place at the end of the year and main construction works starting early next year. A series of public drop-in events will take place in the new year to enable communities to find out more about the programme of works being delivered.
The East Kilbride Enhancement project is a GBP 139.8 million (EUR 160.6 million) investment at the centre of the Scottish Government’s Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan. This major investment in Scotland’s Railway is designed to provide quieter, greener and cleaner trains.
The project follows on from the electrification of the Glasgow – Barrhead line, which will see the introduction of ScotRail Class 380 electric passenger trains on the route from December 2023.
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