East Kilbride/Barrhead electrification updates

[NotATrainspott]

I was very much under the impression Central was pretty easily modified to go back to ~140m? Argyle Street is the really big problem, as the station box just isn't big enough.

That said, enough of the North Clyde Line is problematic (Partick, Hyndland, Jordanhill are all awkward) that I practically expect the first solution there will be to go to 120m fixed-formation units, as there's enough peak-time 3-car (60m) services still, probably with an interior designed similar to the Class 700 to maximise standing room (even with 140m stock I'm pretty sure there would still be plenty of standees on-peak, and off-peak there's plenty of spare seating capacity already).

The Scotland Route Study says the Central low level platforms are capable of 120m long trains while the Queen Street ones are capable of 138m. Since the Study had much discussion about how the Central low level island platform are far too narrow for modern passenger requirements, even if there could be some extensions at either end they'd be even narrower. It's one thing having narrow platform extensions at a terminus where they're unavoidable and likely only to be used by passengers when there's a train waiting. It's quite another having narrow platforms in a tunnel with trains running past and no PEDs.

I think going to a Northern City Line-style metro fixed-formation 120m unit isn't the right answer. The Strathclyde Electrics network is developing away from being a transport system for the Glasgow conurbation and more towards a general regional rail service. We've now got trains running all the way through to Edinburgh, and stops on the inner parts being skipped. The train is better suited for these sorts of regional journeys than it is for short hops. The Glasgow Metro proposals provide a great way for this split to continue. The Metro could handle the bulk of passenger demand within the built-up area, leaving the train for passengers further out. This could well avoid the need for any expensive infrastructure changes, like rebuilding Hyndland junction.

I think I went over the available platform lengths at key stations before without finding any major issues. Hyndland should be straightforward to lengthen at the northern end. Jordanhill looks it could handle SDO. Partick and other stations can probably be done by flattening out the ramp section at the end of the platforms, as is modern safety practice.

 

[InOban]

AIRC the actual island at Central LL is quite wide. The issue is that the access infrastructure - steps, lifts etc - occupies most of the width of the island and may leave too little space to the platform edge. I can't remember it being an issue when I used it, but perhaps at rush hour. But I agree with an earlier post that Argyle Street will be the real problem.

But all stations served by the High Level services should be rebuilt to accommodate 8*23m trains. Only when services are carrying several hundred passengers per train are they making a real contribution to the travel market at an economic cost.

 

[alangla]

AIRC the actual island at Central LL is quite wide. The issue is that the access infrastructure - steps, lifts etc - occupies most of the width of the island and may leave too little space to the platform edge. I can't remember it being an issue when I used it, but perhaps at rush hour. But I agree with an earlier post that Argyle Street will be the real problem.

But all stations served by the High Level services should be rebuilt to accommodate 8*23m trains. Only when services are carrying several hundred passengers per train are they making a real contribution to the travel market at an economic cost.

The eastern end of the platform is really, really narrow because of the stairwell, as in 2 people can just about pass narrow. Luckily it only really affects the last door or so.

 

[66C]

I understand consultants are currently in the early stages of looking at replacement of the concrete slab track on Central low level tunnels and also to establish what would be required to extend the platforms to accept 8 car trains. Various studies were carried out a few years ago for Central low level station with more spacious flank platforms and a short 3/4 car turnback platform 3 at the north side. All part of a capacity study for Glasgow and the West Coast.

 

[Scotrail314209]

I think the electrification of these branches is one of the things that has been needed for ages, given that throughout the day East Kilbride is a busy route.

Electrifying this route means that diesels will also be practically redundant from Central High Level, with only the Kilmarnock and Carlisle services remaining

 

[route101]

I think the electrification of these branches is one of the things that has been needed for ages, given that throughout the day East Kilbride is a busy route.

Electrifying this route means that diesels will also be practically redundant from Central High Level, with only the Kilmarnock and Carlisle services remaining

Yeah , long time coming. I wonder if they will go for full redouble and 4 x an hour or just an extra loop. If it was possible i would look at extending the line to Blantyre to offer better connections to Hamilton/Motherwell.

 

[hexagon789]

Yeah , long time coming. I wonder if they will go for full redouble and 4 x an hour or just an extra loop. If it was possible i would look at extending the line to Blantyre to offer better connections to Hamilton/Motherwell.

It used to run beyond EK to Blantyre! It was curtailed after very low passenger demand and the freight flows it was built for being re-routed via more convenient routes.

 

[route101]

It used to run beyond EK to Blantyre! It was curtailed after very low passenger demand and the freight flows it was built for being re-routed via more convenient routes.

Yeah , joined at High Blantyre. Alignment is built on in places

 

[66C]

East Kilbride Development Corporation had once looked at building a station roughly midway between Hairmyres and East Kilbride Stations. This was about the time they had looked at extending the line underneath the swimming pool and on to the bus station in the town centre. The costs of the scheme were prohibitive at the time.

 

[hexagon789]

Yeah , joined at High Blantyre. Alignment is built on in places

I remember as a child trying to discern the old route round the other site of EK station but it's mostly shrubbery. I know there was once a service from Blantyre, along through EK, up at Clarkston on the chord to High Neilston and eventually all the way to Ardrossan!

 

[Dr Hoo]

East Kilbride Development Corporation had once looked at building a station roughly midway between Hairmyres and East Kilbride Stations. This was about the time they had looked at extending the line underneath the swimming pool and on to the bus station in the town centre. The costs of the scheme were prohibitive at the time.

Ah yes!. It had a working title of "Queensway". I remember doing a 'walk out' for plans in the area in the late 1980s before ambitions were reduced to the Hairmyres Loop. BR even got as far as initial land referencing for possible parliamentary powers and there was a very fraught public meeting in East Kilbride when some people discovered that houses that they had recently bought from the Development Corporation, apparently unaffected by any planning schemes, were likely to be knocked down for this 'new' idea promoted by the same body.

 

[InOban]

When EK was built there were several major local factories such as Rolls Royce. Now most people have to commute into central Glasgow.

 

[Southsider]

I remember as a child trying to discern the old route round the other site of EK station but it's mostly shrubbery. I know there was once a service from Blantyre, along through EK, up at Clarkston on the chord to High Neilston and eventually all the way to Ardrossan!

That’s what the line was built for, to take coal from Lanarkshire to Ardrossan docks for onward shipment.

 

[hexagon789]

That’s what the line was built for, to take coal from Lanarkshire to Ardrossan docks for onward shipment.

I knew the line was for built freight but were there ever through passenger trains from Blantyre?

 

[Southsider]

I knew the line was for built freight but were there ever through passenger trains from Blantyre?

I don’t think so.

 

[MadMac]

Ah yes!. It had a working title of "Queensway". I remember doing a 'walk out' for plans in the area in the late 1980s before ambitions were reduced to the Hairmyres Loop. BR even got as far as initial land referencing for possible parliamentary powers and there was a very fraught public meeting in East Kilbride when some people discovered that houses that they had recently bought from the Development Corporation, apparently unaffected by any planning schemes, were likely to be knocked down for this 'new' idea promoted by the same body.

The name "Kirktonholme" was also in the mix at one time.

 

[MadMac]

One thing that I don't think has been mentioned as yet, but will be a major challenge, is where the Cathcart Circle crosses between Crossmyloof and Pollokshaws West. If there's insufficient clearance, there's no "easy" solution.

 

[route101]

When EK was built there were several major local factories such as Rolls Royce. Now most people have to commute into central Glasgow.

Yes , its become less of a employment and shopping centre, still a bit of commuters heading to EK

 

[route101]

The name "Kirktonholme" was also in the mix at one time.

Not a shabby idea having another station in EK . Walking distance is 25 mins to 30 mins to the station for me .

 

[route101]

I remember as a child trying to discern the old route round the other site of EK station but it's mostly shrubbery. I know there was once a service from Blantyre, along through EK, up at Clarkston on the chord to High Neilston and eventually all the way to Ardrossan!

If you go to other side of road and through the housing in the direction of the village ,the old bridges are still there but the cutting filled in

 

[66C]

There is probably still space at Kirktonholme Rd for a station leading from there back towards EK station. There is also room for a substantial car park in the trees to the south of it. Would upset the dog walkers though. Tight at the rear of the houses EK end of the potential UP platform but there must be more than 2.5m to the boundary fence at the bottom of their gardens. It would be good if NR/TS could be persuaded leave passive provision for it

 

[route101]

There is probably still space at Kirktonholme Rd for a station leading from there back towards EK station. There is also room for a substantial car park in the trees to the south of it. Would upset the dog walkers though. Tight at the rear of the houses EK end of the potential UP platform but there must be more than 2.5m to the boundary fence at the bottom of their gardens. It would be good if NR/TS could be persuaded leave passive provision for it

Cant see them putting a station in there but would make a shorter walk to a station to EK.

 

[ScottGallagher]

I wondered why Barrhead to Kilmarnock wasn't ever electrified seeing as it could be used as a diversionary route for the WCML. Scottish side of the family are all Barrhead though not been there since 2005. Remember the slam doors working the Barrhead stopper to Glasgow in the late 90s and the obligatory brick through the window you are treated to passing through Nitshill at night (missed our table on a 156 by a whisker)

 

[nlogax]

I wondered why Barrhead to Kilmarnock wasn't ever electrified seeing as it could be used as a diversionary route for the WCML. Scottish side of the family are all Barrhead though not been there since 2005. Remember the slam doors working the Barrhead stopper to Glasgow in the late 90s and the obligatory brick through the window you are treated to passing through Nitshill at night (missed our table on a 156 by a whisker)

Sometimes it can be a nice trundle home to London via a change at Carlisle when in no hurry. Pleasant on a summer's evening in a 156 - but only once in a while. After a bit you tend to think 'I could be 100 miles further south by now'.

 

[edwin_m]

I wondered why Barrhead to Kilmarnock wasn't ever electrified seeing as it could be used as a diversionary route for the WCML. Scottish side of the family are all Barrhead though not been there since 2005. Remember the slam doors working the Barrhead stopper to Glasgow in the late 90s and the obligatory brick through the window you are treated to passing through Nitshill at night (missed our table on a 156 by a whisker)

It would need to go all the way to Gretna to be useable as a diversionary route. I think that would be a long way down most people's lists for electrification.

 

[hexagon789]

If you go to other side of road and through the housing in the direction of the village ,the old bridges are still there but the cutting filled in

Never went that far, but may go for a look one day thanks

 

[hexagon789]

I don’t think so.

Cheers, would've been quite a journey but it wouldn't have surprised me if it had existed back then

 

[Southsider]

I commuted on it for 17 years. Never been double beyond Busby, most bridges in East Kilbride itself appear to be “double-ready”. Clarkson Toll will need major road work.

Interestingly there are surveyors working at Clarkston Toll this morning.

 

[CEN60]

I commuted on it for 17 years. Never been double beyond Busby, most bridges in East Kilbride itself appear to be “double-ready”. Clarkson Toll will need major road work.

"Double Ready" maybe - not necessarily double ready with electrification wires underneath (sadly)

 

[route101]

Interestingly there are surveyors working at Clarkston Toll this morning.

Interesting . I think the bridge between Crossmyloof and Pollokshaws West is quite low too.