Railway line to close for four months as no services run to East Kilbride station

A major railway line into Glasgow is to close for four months with no services running to some stations.

Network Rail announced the major engineering works as part of the project to electrify the railway between East Kilbride and Glasgow.

From Saturday, January 25 until Sunday, May 18 no trains will run on the line between East Kilbride and Thornliebank.

The £140m project, which is being delivered by Network Rail and is part of a Scottish Government investment in the line, will help to decarbonise rail services as well as improve reliability for passengers.

Artist impression of East Kilbride station Network Rail

One complete in December next year the project which, is part of a Scottish Government investment in the line, will see new stations at East Kilbride and Hairmyres.

A new footbridge at Busby, improved access at Giffnock and a new station entrance at Clarkston will also be delivered.

A critical point in the electrification project will also see 22km of new overhead power cables installed and the lengthening of the double-track between East Kilbride and Hairmyres.

Gerry McQuade, Network Rail capital delivery director, said: “This programme of extended engineering works is a critical point in the delivery of the electrification of the East Kilbride line.

“Closing the railway is never an easy decision, but the engineering work taking place over these 16 weeks can only be done when no trains are running. This approach allows the completion of these major works in the most efficient, fastest way.

“We do appreciate the impact this will have both on those living closest to the line and to our passengers. We hope that by advising people three-months ahead of the work starting, this raises awareness and allows people the time to consider alternative travel arrangements.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “The works being carried out by Network Rail are absolutely critical in the latest phase of the project to electrify the railway on the East Kilbride line.

“Unfortunately, during the 16-week closure, we will be unable to operate trains to and from East Kilbride, and an alternate transport plan will help to make sure customers are still able to travel.

“In the coming weeks, we will communicate the plan through all our customer information channels, including where replacement buses will operate, and the other routes available for customers.”

Damian Briody, Transport Scotland’s head of rail projects and technical services, said: “This announcement marks the build-up to the latest phase of progress on the East Kilbride electrification project.

“Whilst any disruption to passengers is unwelcome, we acknowledge the careful consideration which has gone into delivering the significant improvement works taking place during the closure.

“It is welcome that Network Rail and ScotRail have listened to passengers in planning these works and that they will continue to work closely together to ensure these passengers can make informed journey planning choices.”

Network Rail said to help minimise disruption for passengers, a replacement bus service will be in place during this period.

At the same time as the 16-weeks of work finishes, in May 2025, the new Hairmyres station is scheduled to open to the public.

Information on the bus replacement service will be available in the coming weeks and customers advised to check at www.scotrail.co.uk or via www.nationalrail.co.uk when planning their journeys over this period.