Essential engineering works will start next week as Network Rail undertakes £7.2m of improvements across Scotland's railway throughout April.

The programme covers track, signalling, overhead line and drainage upgrades, scheduled during traditionally quieter periods to reduce disruption. Most of the network will remain open, though some routes will see temporary changes. Passengers travelling over Easter and during April are advised to check journeys in advance with their train operator.

From 4–6 April, engineers will complete £2.2m of infrastructure renewals around Glasgow and install a new £1.5m bridge at Carstairs, resulting in service alterations between Glasgow Central and Motherwell/Lanark/Edinburgh. Between 3–8 April and 11–20 April, £3.5m of reliability works on the West Coast Main Line in South Lanarkshire, Dumfries and Galloway and further south will affect journeys between Glasgow and London Euston. Lampits Road near Carstairs will also be closed from 30 March to 17 April.

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Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland said: "Our teams are preparing for a busy period ahead. Upgrading drainage systems, replacing track, installing a new bridge and renewing critical signalling assets are all essential in maintaining the safety and performance of the network for passengers and freight.

"We know any changes to normal services can be inconvenient. We aim to keep disruption to a minimum where possible and appreciate people's patience as we deliver these improvements for Scotland's Railway."

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: "This £7.2m programme of essential improvements will help improve reliability across Scotland’s Railway, supporting more dependable services in the months ahead.

"Upgrades like this are much harder to deliver when the network is at its busiest so that’s why the work is taking place across the Easter weekend and holiday period which will be quieter for travelling by train.

"We want to reassure customers that our focus is on making sure they can continue to travel with confidence and get to where they want to be and we’d like to thank people for their patience and understanding while the work takes place.

"We have robust plans in place, including rail replacement where required, and our teams will be working hard to keep people moving safely and as smoothly as possible."