ScotRail Alliance has confirmed that the Edinburgh-Glasgow main line will reopen as planned today 27 July.

The reopening will follow the successful completion of the £17 million six-week Winchburgh Tunnel project.

Engineers have been working to lower and relay track through the 330 metre-long tunnel and install equipment to enable electrification of the line.

The Transport Minister, Derek Mackay, said: "I am pleased that this major programme of works at the Winchburgh Tunnel has been completed both on time and within budget.

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"Completion of the work at Winchburgh is a key milestone in the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme, which is a comprehensive programme of improvements to Scotland’s rail network.

"Upon completion this will deliver a 20% reduction in journey time and allow the rail network to carry 30% more passengers between Scotland’s two biggest cities."

Phil Verster, ScotRail Alliance Managing Director said: "The on-time completion of a project of this size and complexity in just six weeks is a significant achievement for all of the engineers involved.

"It also demonstrates how, by working more closely together, the rail industry in Scotland can deliver vital enhancements to our network while also keeping passengers informed and on the move.

"This is a massive piece of work that will help deliver long-lasting benefits to our customers. Electrifying the line between our two biggest cities will allow us to run faster, longer, greener trains that will cut journey times and increase the number of seats available on this key route."

(LM)