Major engineering work will take place at Kilmarnock Station this summer to improve journey times and reliability on the vital rail route between Glasgow, Ayrshire and Dumfries, and Galloway.
Network Rail Scotland will deliver £13.5 million worth of upgrades in August and September to modernise the track layout through the station, tackling infrastructure constraints that currently slow trains down.
Once complete, the upgrades will allow trains to run faster and more smoothly through Kilmarnock, aiming to deliver more reliable rail services.
Engineers will improve the track layout for trains arriving from the south into platforms three and four, allowing them to enter the station at higher speeds.
For southbound services leaving platform four, sections of track will be rebuilt and simplified to reduce wear on equipment and improve day‑to‑day reliability.
On platform three, part of the track that allows trains to change lines is being moved further away from the station, giving southbound trains a smoother and quicker exit.
During the project, engineers will install 5.5 kilometres of new rail and 3,200 new concrete sleepers will be laid, with around 800 existing sleepers reused. Around 7,500 tonnes of ballast will be replaced and 31 engineering trains will operate over the 16‑day period, with two large rail cranes used.
To allow the work to be completed safely, the railway between Barrhead and Dumfries will be closed for 16 days from Saturday 29 August until Monday 14 September.
During the closure, no trains will operate between Barrhead and Dumfries or between Kilmarnock and Troon. ScotRail services in the affected areas will be replaced by buses, while trains will continue to run between Glasgow Central and Barrhead, and between Dumfries and Carlisle.
Passengers are being advised to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.
Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “This work is about strengthening a busy part of the railway so it can perform even better in the years ahead. By upgrading the track at Kilmarnock, we’re improving how trains move through the station and supporting a more consistent service for the communities it serves.
“Keeping the railway in good shape means continuing to make improvements that help services run as smoothly as possible. Although there will be some short term disruption, the aim is to deliver lasting benefits for the future.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, added: “While this work will mean some temporary disruption, it is a vital investment in the long-term future of this important route.
“Our focus on helping customers travel with confidence throughout the works, with clear information available in advance and a robust rail replacement transport plan in place along the route.
“The upgrades at Kilmarnock will help improve the reliability of services between Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and deliver smoother journeys for customers.
“We’re grateful for our customers’ patience and understanding while Network Rail deliver this important upgrade.”
Image credit: Network Rail