'Track defect' causes railway line to close hours before football match

Fans heading to watch Greenock Morton v Hearts could face disruption on the railway on Monday evening.

‘Track defect’ causes railway line to close prior to Greenock Morton and Hearts Scottish Cup tie iStock

A suspected track defect has caused disruption for football fans ahead of a Scottish Cup tie.

ScotRail confirmed a fault was detected at Bishopton at around 3.30pm on Monday which is affecting services to and from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay and Gourock.

The operator confirmed no trains can run between Paisley St James and Bishopton with Network Rail teams facing the “challenge” of high river levels.

The disruption could affect football fans heading to watch Greenock Morton v Hearts at Cappielow Park, next to the Cartsdyke station.

The Scottish Championship side will square off with Steven Naismith’s men in the final tie of the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

A ScotRail update on X at around 5pm read: “Staff still inspecting the track near Bishopton, they need to make sure it’s safe for trains to use before it can reopen.

“Remember that your train ticket can be used on McGill’s buses, you don’t need to buy a bus ticket.”

A Network Rail statement read: “Afraid that the line between Glasgow Central and Gourock/Wemyss Bay remains closed.

“River levels at Bishopton are high, meaning it’s a challenge for engineers to inspect a railway bridge fully.

“We’re working on a solution and will share more news ASAP.”

An earlier update read: “Engineers are now carrying out the inspection of the railway at Bishopton, where the potential track defect was reported.

“Sorry if you’re affected by the disruption, we’re working to reopen the line ASAP, once it’s safe to do so.”

A National Rail update warned passengers to expect disruption until 7pm, 45 minutes prior to kick off.

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