Network Rail has completed electrification work on the line between Cumbernauld and Bonnybridge.

The 16 single-track kilometres of railway between Cumbernauld and Greenhill Lower has now went live. The scheme is a further a step towards connecting the line from Glasgow to Falkirk Grahamston to extend the running of electric trains.

In Autumn last year, work was completed to electrify 46 miles of the Edinburgh-Glasgow (via Falkirk High) line as part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP).

Kevin McClelland, Route Delivery Director for infrastructure projects, said it is important to make the public aware that the lines, which are carrying 25,000 volts of electricity, have now went live and to encourage them to stay safe near the railway. 18,000 safety leaflets are being delivered through every door in lineside communities locally and messages have been put out online through social media. Network Rail is also working with industry partners in schools and through local groups to take the safety message into the classroom and into the community.

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Mr McClelland said: "Energisation is also an important phase of work to test and validate the new equipment and ensure it is operating as it should ahead of the introduction of electric trains on the route.

"The benefit of electric trains is they will be quieter and accelerate faster than the diesel ones they replace. The overhead power lines we have installed carry 25,000 volts of electricity – enough to kill anyone who comes into contact with them.

"The message is a simple one – electrified lines are always on, so always stay off."

(LM)