Network Rail is investing £1.7m in essential works on Glasgow's Argyle line and at Glasgow Central Low Level over the final two weekends of October to help keep trains running reliably.

The programme will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, and again on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, and will require changes to ScotRail services during the closures.

Engineers will repair parts of the concrete foundation that supports the track through the Argyle line tunnels at Exhibition Centre and Dalmarnock, and replace sections of rail and other track equipment at Rutherglen.

These works are designed to extend the life of key railway assets and reduce the risk of faults that can cause delays for passengers. While the line is closed, teams will also carry out a range of other maintenance activities across the route.

At Glasgow Central Low Level station, engineers will repair overhead lighting, replace ageing wall panels on the platforms and carry out a deep clean of the station.

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Equipment used to control the safe movement of trains through the tunnels will be upgraded to improve performance, and detailed inspections of the track, tunnels and railway systems will be completed.

Service changes are as follows: there will be no service between Rutherglen and Exhibition Centre via Glasgow Central Low Level on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, and no trains between Partick and Rutherglen on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November. Passengers should check ScotRail for full details and journey advice.

Gary Hopkirk, route programme director at Network Rail Scotland, said: "The Argyle line carries thousands of passengers every day through the heart of Glasgow. Because sections of the route run through tunnels beneath the city, we need occasional closures like this to get in and carry out maintenance that isn't possible while trains are running.

"As well as looking after the track and signalling equipment that keeps services moving, we're taking the opportunity to make improvements at Glasgow Central Low Level station too. By bringing a range of work together over the same weekends, we can improve the railway, enhance the station environment and help reduce the risk of any unplanned disruption in the future."

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "This essential work will help improve the reliability of the Argyle line and the experience for customers using Glasgow Central Low Level.

"There will be changes to services across both weekends, so we're asking customers to check their journey before travelling and allow some extra time.

"We're working closely with Network Rail to ensure customers can continue to travel with confidence while the work takes place, and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding."