Railway upgrades across Glasgow’s south side reach a key phase this weekend, with the first of three planned line closures allowing engineers to carry out major work.
More than £1.5m is being invested in the area, including renewing sections of track and bridge improvements, to help boost reliability on these important commuter routes.
Rails will be replaced through Cathcart Station and at Langside, while a redundant railway bridge will be removed on the Neilston line and upgrades made to Pollokshaws Road railway bridge.
Preparatory work began last month, with the more intensive parts of the project taking place during line closures on the weekends of 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 August.
Passengers travelling between Glasgow Central and Newton, Neilston and Cathcart Circle stations are advised to plan ahead and check their journeys in advance. Alternative rail travel options will be available, with some tickets also being accepted on local bus services.
Allison Flanagan, project manager at Network Rail, said: “Looking after a busy railway means occasionally taking time to carry out work that can’t be done safely while trains are running. We never take that decision lightly, so whenever we do need to close the railway, we make sure we’re delivering as much as possible in that time.
“People across Glasgow’s south side use these routes for all sorts of reasons, from getting to work and school to visiting family and friends. Thousands rely on the railway and these improvements mean we can continue supporting their journeys in the years ahead.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We know this work may be inconvenient for some of our customers and we thank them in advance for their understanding.
“These are important improvements and we’re encouraging those travelling between Glasgow Central and Newton or Neilston to plan ahead while Network Rail carries out the changes.
“Customers should check before travelling and, where possible, use ScotRail services via Barrhead, East Kilbride, or via Mount Florida on 22 and 23 August. There are also alternative travel options with local bus operators.”
As well as the weekend line closures, temporary traffic lights will remain in use at the junction of Nithsdale Street and Allison Street until 19 September.
Image credit: Network Rail
