Passenger and freight services will be back on track as the line between Kilmarnock and Barassie opens from Monday the 1st of August.

The route was closed in order to undertake an investigation and repair following the report of a hole found on the 4th of June at Gatehead.

Network Rail has worked closely alongside the Coal Authority as the surrounding area features a rich mining history however, ground investigations revealed that the void was not a mine shaft or a mining feature.

As work got underway, excavations lead to the discovery of a historic culvert which lay under the railway and has now been replaced with an up-to-date equivalent which will allow the route to reopen safely.

During the line closure, engineers took the opportunity to accelerate planned work on a bridge located immediately west of the site which has led to a reduction in the need for ongoing maintenance moving into the future.

James Montgomery, senior programme manager for Network Rail, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to announce the re-opening of the line between Kilmarnock and Barassie.

“We’ve carried out an extensive programme of investigation, excavation and repair work that will allow trains to travel through this location from Monday.

“I’d like to thank passengers and freight users for their patience and understanding.”