Work starts on Central Scotland rail link

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson today welcomed the start of advanced works on a £300 million rail link for Central Scotland.

The Airdrie to Bathgate rail link will re-open a 23 kilometre section (15 miles) between Drumgelloch station and Bathgate to provide fast public transport access between Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, West Lothian and west Edinburgh.

The Minister attended a sod cut ceremony marking the start of advanced work at North Livingston Station today.

The project is funded by Transport Scotland, on behalf of Scottish Ministers, and is being delivered on the ground by railway infrastructure company Network Rail.

The work to double-track the Bathgate to Edinburgh branch line is due to be completed by Winter 2008 and offers the early benefits of increased efficiency on an already popular commuter route.

Mr Stevenson said:

"I am delighted this work is underway. The project will open an important door of opportunity for the communities and economy in the Central Scotland corridor.

"The Airdrie-Bathgate link will open up employment and education opportunities for people living west of Edinburgh and east of Glasgow and, importantly, will provide a public transport alternative to the congested M8/A8 route."

Among the wider benefits associated with the project are increased social inclusion for people without private cars, improved accessibility and increased attractiveness of the area for inward business investment

The scheme will also stimulate potential new housing developments within areas to be served by the railway.

It is expected the finished Airdrie-Bathgate link will be complete in Winter 2010.

For further details of the Airdrie to Bathgate railway project see http://www.airdriebathgateraillink.co.uk/.