Callum Johnstone
2004-02-25 08:14:26 UTC
Source: The Scotsman
25/02/04
Success of new rail line vital
ALASTAIR DALTON
TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENT
Work started yesterday on Scotland's first new railway line for 25
years as ministers warned that its success was vital for the future of
the country's major rail expansion programme.
The launch of construction work on the £35 million cross-Glasgow link
between Larkhall and Milngavie comes ten years later than planned and
just weeks before planning permission is due to run out. Trains should
be running by the end of next year.
Nicol Stephen, the transport minister, who helped cut the first sod on
the route, said the project was "hugely symbolic" for the Scottish
Executive's rail development plans.
He said: "We are determined to do more of this and we have a very
ambitious list of rail projects."
These include links to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, and new lines
to Alloa, the Borders and between Airdrie and Bathgate.
Mr Stephen said the plans amounted to a far greater expansion
programme than south of the Border. He said: "We are not going to see
many projects like these elsewhere - Scotland can blaze a trail for
the rest of the UK in new rail developments."
However, he admitted that the delays and cost increases were
symptomatic of the rail industry's problems.The latest cost increase,
from £28 million, forced the Executive to increase its contribution to
£25 million in December. Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) and
South Lanarkshire Council are making up the rest.
Mr Stephen said: "It has been something of a long and winding road,
but we are getting there just in time. Because of the other projects,
it's important that we get this one right for the future."
The project comprises re-opening a three-mile spur line between
Larkhall and Hamilton, which was closed in 1965, with new intermediate
stations at Merryton and Chatelherault. A new mile-long link will also
connect Anniesland and Maryhill, with a new station at Dawsholm, for
the first time since 1917.
The scheme, the first such new route since the re-laying of the Argyle
line through Glasgow city centre in 1979, will also enable more
frequent cross-city trains to run.
Improvements will start with services between Hamilton and Anderston
doubling to four an hour in December.
Alistair Watson, the chairman of SPT, who also took part in the
sod-cutting ceremony, predicted the scheme would be followed by a
spate of new rail projects, including a city centre Crossrail link.
25/02/04
Success of new rail line vital
ALASTAIR DALTON
TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENT
Work started yesterday on Scotland's first new railway line for 25
years as ministers warned that its success was vital for the future of
the country's major rail expansion programme.
The launch of construction work on the £35 million cross-Glasgow link
between Larkhall and Milngavie comes ten years later than planned and
just weeks before planning permission is due to run out. Trains should
be running by the end of next year.
Nicol Stephen, the transport minister, who helped cut the first sod on
the route, said the project was "hugely symbolic" for the Scottish
Executive's rail development plans.
He said: "We are determined to do more of this and we have a very
ambitious list of rail projects."
These include links to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, and new lines
to Alloa, the Borders and between Airdrie and Bathgate.
Mr Stephen said the plans amounted to a far greater expansion
programme than south of the Border. He said: "We are not going to see
many projects like these elsewhere - Scotland can blaze a trail for
the rest of the UK in new rail developments."
However, he admitted that the delays and cost increases were
symptomatic of the rail industry's problems.The latest cost increase,
from £28 million, forced the Executive to increase its contribution to
£25 million in December. Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) and
South Lanarkshire Council are making up the rest.
Mr Stephen said: "It has been something of a long and winding road,
but we are getting there just in time. Because of the other projects,
it's important that we get this one right for the future."
The project comprises re-opening a three-mile spur line between
Larkhall and Hamilton, which was closed in 1965, with new intermediate
stations at Merryton and Chatelherault. A new mile-long link will also
connect Anniesland and Maryhill, with a new station at Dawsholm, for
the first time since 1917.
The scheme, the first such new route since the re-laying of the Argyle
line through Glasgow city centre in 1979, will also enable more
frequent cross-city trains to run.
Improvements will start with services between Hamilton and Anderston
doubling to four an hour in December.
Alistair Watson, the chairman of SPT, who also took part in the
sod-cutting ceremony, predicted the scheme would be followed by a
spate of new rail projects, including a city centre Crossrail link.