As the electrification scheme of the East Kilbride line continues, Network Rail has announced that services along the line will be disrupted for a full 16 weeks starting in January 2025.

The full 16-week closure will take place from Saturday 25 January until Sunday 18 May, during this time Network Rail engineers and contractors will work non-stop 24/7 to undertake a range of projects along the route which links East Kilbride and Glasgow.

Work not only includes full electrification of the route, by installing 22km of overhead wires, but it will also include a new station building at East Kilbride, a longer double-track section between East Kilbride and Hairmyres.

A completely new station at Hairmyres will be built with two new platforms and step-free access, which will open to the public in late May 2025.

Other projects along the line include a new accessible footbridge at Giffnock, and a new bridge at Busby, while Clarkston will see a new entrance to the front of the station.

In addition to this, lowering the track formation between these three stations will allow for the overhead wires to pass under existing bridges.

While this work is being carried out, there will be no train services from East Kilbride to Thornliebank, though replacement buses will serve these stations, with further details to be announced nearer the time.

This electrification project is being undertaken by Network Rail and funded by the Scottish Government. It aims to decarbonise rail services and enhance passenger reliability, with the scheme expected to be complete by December 2025.

Closing the railway is never an easy decision, but the engineering work taking place over these 16 weeks can only be done when no trains are running. This approach allows the completion of these major works in the most efficient, fastest way.

We do appreciate the impact this will have both on those living closest to the line and to our passengers. We hope that by advising people three-months ahead of the work starting, this raises awareness and allows people the time to consider alternative travel arrangements.”

Gerry McQuade, Network Rail capital delivery director=