Construction of the Borders Railway is moving a step forward this week with the start of ground and structural investigations.

Contractor Soil Mechanics has been appointed by Scottish Borders Council on behalf of Transport Scotland to undertake additional ground and structural investigation for the bidding organisations over the next four months.

Using a mixture of techniques including trial holes, boreholes and structural coring at a number of locations along the route of the railway, the contractor will determine the condition of the ground and various structures and provide bidders with more specific information to allow them to accurately predict project costs.

Transport Minister, Keith Brown said: “I am pleased to see this appointment for this latest phase of the project which will assist bidders to fully assess the work required in the construction of this valuable rail link.

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“By bringing rail services back to the Borders line 40 years after it closed, we are demonstrating this Scottish Government’s commitment to the Borders Railway as a key part of our programme of investment.

"When finished, the railway will act as a catalyst for economic growth right across southern Scotland, supporting hundreds of jobs during its construction. It will also increase business development and housing opportunities across the region, whilst helping promote inward investment."

The surveys being carried out should enable the bidders to be more accurate in their pricing and reduce risk by providing more detail about the ground and structures conditions along the route.

Cllr David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council said: "I am delighted that another element of the construction of the Borders railway is getting underway. Transport Scotland are working enormously hard to make the Borders railway a reality and the construction works that have begun demonstrate the Government's commitment to ensuring that this scheme is delivered for the Borders.

"Given the current economic situation facing the country the delivery of the Borders railway is a very welcome opportunity to boost the Borders economy and I am in no doubt that its delivery will have a massively beneficial effect on the prosperity of the Scottish Borders."

The site investigation, which is standard practice during a competitive tendering process, will expand on the original site investigation undertaken to support development of the specimen design.

Another programme of work for the railway also gets underway within the next few weeks to clear vegetation from parts of the railway route. The work will be carried out by Midlothian Council and will focus on 11 rural areas along the route.

(GK)