Network Rail Scotland will invest £13.5m across August and September to overhaul the track through Kilmarnock Station, aiming to cut journey times and improve reliability on routes connecting Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway.

The project will remove track layout constraints that currently slow trains, enabling faster, smoother movements through the station once completed.

Upgrades focus on the south side of the station: trains arriving from the south into platforms three and four will be able to enter at higher speeds after the layout is improved. Sections of southbound track leaving platform four will be rebuilt and simplified to reduce wear and boost day-to-day reliability. Additionally, part of the crossover linked to platform three will be moved further from the station to give southbound services a quicker, smoother exit.

The work involves installing 5.5km of new rail, laying 3,200 new concrete sleepers while reusing around 800 existing sleepers, and replacing approximately 7,500 tonnes of ballast. Over the 16-day programme, 31 engineering trains will operate, supported by two large rail cranes.

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To carry out the upgrades safely, the railway between Barrhead and Dumfries will be closed for 16 days from Saturday 29 August until Monday 14 September. No trains will run between Barrhead and Dumfries, or between Kilmarnock and Troon, during this period. ScotRail will provide replacement buses in affected areas, while trains will continue to operate between Glasgow Central and Barrhead, and between Dumfries and Carlisle. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: "This work is about strengthening a busy part of the railway so it can perform even better in the years ahead. By upgrading the track at Kilmarnock, we're improving how trains move through the station and supporting a more consistent service for the communities it serves.

"Keeping the railway in good shape means continuing to make improvements that help services run as smoothly as possible. Although there will be some short term disruption, the aim is to deliver lasting benefits for the future."

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: "While this work will mean some temporary disruption, it is a vital investment in the long-term future of this important route.

"Our focus on helping customers travel with confidence throughout the works, with clear information available in advance and a robust rail replacement transport plan in place along the route.

"The upgrades at Kilmarnock will help improve the reliability of services between Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and deliver smoother journeys for customers.

"We're grateful for our customers' patience and understanding while Network Rail deliver this important upgrade."