More than £2 million is to be invested in railway upgrades along the Shotts Line this Easter.

From 31 March to 03 April, Network Rail Engineers will work to tie-in the new and existing overhead line electrification (OHLE) at Midcalder Junctiion.

The scheme is being carried out during the four-day closure of the West Coast Main Line through Carstairs, while Livingston South station is also being redeveloped.

A total of 35 staff will work solely on the tie-in of Midcalder Junction, Junction which will see 36 metal stanchions and other steelwork erected and multiple cables and wires run. The new overhead line sections will be supported by two switches and earthed and bonded before section proving and energisation in advance of the reintroduction of services through the junction on the Carstairs line on Tuesday, 03 April.

-- Advertisement --

With the tie-in already completed at the western side of the project at Holytown Junction, Network Rail said the completion of the Midcalder junction section will achieve a milestone for the Shotts Line Electrification project.

Brian Mallon, Network Rail programme manager, said: "While we appreciate that closing lines is never convenient, we have scheduled this work in such a way as to minimise disruption over the Easter holiday period when fewer people are travelling.

"With the lines closed as part of the UK wide programme of Bank Holiday works, it gives us the chance to undertake a range of additional works on the electrification programme and focus on completing the complex challenge of wiring and energising Midcalder Junction.

"We will also take the opportunity to do as much work as we possibly can all across the Shotts Line during the closure, to maximise progress and reduce the need for further disruption.

"We appreciate the cooperation of the local community and thank them for their patience as we deliver this massive investment to upgrade the railway.”

(LM)