Major improvement work given go ahead for Newton rail junction
Nov 14 2012
by Douglas Dickie, Rutherglen Reformer
A £10million project to upgrade the Newton rail junction has been unveiled.
Network Rail confirmed their plans to carry out engineering work at the junction that will allow trains to flow more freely.
The group say the project will also improve flexibility and efficiency at the junction as well as allowing the number of train paths available for both local and cross-border services.
Working with contractors, Carillion, Network Rail aim to re-model the junction with the addition of a new rail line and crossover - a section of track which allows trains to move from one line to another.
The overhead stanchions that carry the electric power lines will also be reconfigured and signalling upgraded.
The work is scheduled for completion by winter 2013, but Network Rail say disruption will be minimised by working extensively at evenings and weekends with other work scheduled to coincide with the times the rail network is quietest, such as festive periods and Bank holidays.
A drop-in event will be held next week to keep the local community up to date with the plans.
The project team will be available at St Charles’ Primary between 5pm and 8pm on Monday, November 19.
A spokesperson for Network Rail said the plans would help deliver a better performing railway for train operators and passengers.
They said: “This programme of work will modernise a key junction on Scotland’s railway, bring significant benefits for those using both local and cross-border routes, as well as boosting the overall reliability of rail services.”
Newton junction, just to the east of the station, links the West Coast Main Line and the Argyle/Cathcart Circle routes.
