Network Rail will carry out improvements to drainage infrastructure on the railway between Bathgate and Edinburgh next month, helping to boost performance and keep services reliable for passengers.
The £800,000 investment will see engineers install around 800 metres of new, higher capacity drainage pipes near Bathgate station to reduce the risk of flooding on the busy route. Teams will also inspect and clear existing drainage to help ensure it continues to operate effectively.
To allow the work to be delivered safely, services will be affected on three Sundays next month – 15, 22 and 29 March. On these dates, train services will run as normal between Helensburgh and Bathgate. There will be a replacement bus service between Bathgate and Haymarket calling at all intermediate stations.
Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
Eddie McLoone, project manager at Network Rail Scotland said: “It’s been 15 years since the Airdrie-Bathgate line was reopened, and we’re continuing to invest in the parts of the infrastructure that will keep this route resilient for many more years to come.
“Drainage might not be the most visible part of the network, but it plays a vital role in keeping trains moving reliably. By strengthening this section of the line now, we’re helping protect services from the disruption that heavy rainfall can bring.
“We know there’s never a good time to close any part of the railway, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during the three Sundays in March while we carry out these improvements.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, commented: “The drainage improvements being delivered by Network Rail are an important investment in the long-term resilience of the route between Bathgate and Edinburgh.
“While there will be some temporary changes to services on the three Sundays in March, we’ll have a robust rail replacement plan in place to allow customers to continue to travel with confidence.
“We’re working closely with Network Rail to ensure clear information is available for customers to plan their journeys in advance.
“I’d encourage anyone planning to travel on 15, 22, or 29 March to check their journey before setting off and allow some extra time for travel where needed.”
Maintenance teams will also clear overgrown vegetation and inspect structures along the route to help keep services running safely and reliably – maximising the time the railway is closed and reducing the need for future disruption for passengers.
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