Airdrie–Bathgate rail link
Airdrie–Bathgate rail link | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OHLE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating speed | 90 mph (140 km/h) max | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Airdrie–Bathgate rail link is a completed
Instigated as part of a round of transport improvement projects proposed by the then
Background
In line with plans to complete the missing part of the M8 motorway, the Executive stipulated that public transport links between Scotland's two largest cities must improve.
The new line reinstates the
Benefits and infrastructure improvements
The line is intended to bring significant benefits to the West Lothian area, connecting it to the Greater Glasgow conurbation. New stations serve the towns of
In order to permit four trains per hour in each direction, improvements to the existing line have been made:
- The entire line is double track, doubling the lines between Drumgelloch, and between Bathgate and Cawburn Junction, east of Uphall.
- An upgrade of Newbridge Junction, where the railways from Bathgate and Falkirk to Edinburgh join.
- New stations at Drumgelloch and Bathgate in new locations.
- Electrification of the line between Drumgelloch and Haymarket.
The Class 380s delivered to ScotRail for use across the Strathclyde network. This allowed the Class 334s to be used on the Helensburgh/Milngavie to/from Edinburgh services.
Progress
The start of work was signalled with a sod cutting ceremony at Livingston North station in June 2007, attended by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson.[6] Contracts worth £300m for design, installation and commissioning of signalling and telecommunications had been awarded by July 2008.[7] Remodelling of Newbridge Junction and doubling of Bathgate branch was completed in October 2008. Blackridge railway station was included as one of the stations to be opened on the line.[8]
With work to install overhead line and signalling equipment for the line complete, it was opened for operational use and driver training on 18 October 2010. Passenger services began on 12 December 2010, as an extension of the existing services to Airdrie on the
On 13 February 2011 Caldercruix opened.[10] Armadale opened on 4 March, followed by Drumgelloch on 6 March, thus completing all station work. Effective 7 March, service between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley increased to two trains per hour on weekdays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons.[11] On Tuesday 8 March 2011, Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown officially opened the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link.[12]
See also
References
- ^ "Relocated Drumgelloch Station" (PDF). Network Rail.
- ^ "New £300m Airdrie-Bathgate rail link re-opens". BBC News. 12 December 2010. Archived from the original on 12 December 2010. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
- ^ "Major rail link project approved". BBC News. 28 March 2007. Archived from the original on 7 September 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
- ^ "Rail link scheme gets green light". BBC News. 10 May 2007. Archived from the original on 2 June 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
- ^ "ScotRail Timetable". Archived from the original on 29 March 2013.
- ^ "West Lothian Business Portal - Work starts on Airdrie to Bathgate rail link". WestLothian.com. 21 June 2007. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2008.
- ^ "World infrastructure market July 2008". Railway Gazette. DVV Media. 11 July 2008. Archived from the original on 3 August 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2008.
- ^ "Blackridge station go-ahead". Modern Railways. 65 (723). Ian Allan Publishing. December 2008.
- ^ "Final Tracks Laid on Britain's Longest Passenger Line for 100 years". Retrieved 28 August 2010.[dead link]
- ^ "New station arrives for caldercruix". 11 February 2011. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2011.
- ^ "News - Airdrie Bathgate Rail Link project". Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
- ^ "Transport Minister Officially Launches New £300m Rail Link". AirdrieBathgateRailLink.co.uk. 8 March 2011. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
Further reading
- Glen, A. Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link – Reconnecting Communities. Ramsey (IOM), Lily Publications, 2010. ISBN 978-1-907945-01-4.
External links
- Official site for the Airdrie–Bathgate railway link
- "Costs going like a runaway train". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2007.