East Kilbride/Barrhead electrification updates

[MadMac]

Exactly - Surge Diverters (aka Surge Arresters) are precisely what those are.

For those who don't know what the purpose of the Surge Diverter, it acts as an insulator up to a set threshold (typically 300% of the supply voltage).
If that threshold is breached, it becomes a conductor, allowing current to flow safely to earth rather than arcing across the air gaps and damaging the bridge soffit.

Note the little doobry beneath the 2 insulators on the same stovepipe - this doobry is an "actuation counter", which clocks up the number of overvoltage events.
There should also be a "drop-out fuse" between the Surge Diverter and traction earth, but that doesn't appear to have been fitted at the time the picture was taken.

(This has been adapted from the excellent "Overhead Line Electrification for Railways" (6th Edition), Section 10.8.1, page 56; all credit to Garry Keenor)

Great summary, and easily understood by a retired Signal Engineer!

 

[Southsider]

Construction of the new footpath at Clarkston station continues

 

[Trackbasher84]

The runoff from Busby Junction seems to go most of the way to Thornliebank Bridge. This was built when the Barrhead route was electrified.

I'm not sure if it will be possible to isolate the East Kilbride branch from the Barrhead electrification. My understanding is that the branch will be fed from the Barrhead line which itself is fed from the upgraded feeder station at Eglinton Street via cables to the feed in point at Muirhouse North Junction. So, no further interventions required for the supply.

When I was at the opening ceremony for the Thornliebank Bridge on Tuesday, engineers were working on the twin track cantilever just before bridge (on the Busby Junction side of the bridge) which was not far from OHL that I assume is live.

A Sunday would be a good day to tie in the branch - there are no EMU Barrhead stoppers on a Sunday and so the Barrhead line could be isolated without an impact on the Glasgow - Barrhead - Kilmarnock services.

If anyone was working you can be assured it was dead, we don't allow work near adjacent live structures in this civilised country. Switching at various points along the new electrification.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2025 ==

Can’t be much left to do, connecting up at Busby junction?

Heard they're onto snagging works now but not due to be live until December at the earliest

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2025 ==

Probably best to ask Gareth Dennis about any of this

 

[clc]

New planning application at Clarkston station for path to the Goods Yard car park. Notably the path goes underneath the footbridge before meeting the car park.

https://ercbuildingstandards.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/buildingstandards/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=ST3YHQGPJWB00

Thanks for posting the link to the planning application for the new footpath (which I note is 130m in length). If it’s of interest, here’s an image from Google showing where the new path will pass underneath the footbridge and tie in with the existing path to/from the car park:-

 

[apjsco]

If anyone was working you can be assured it was dead, we don't allow work near adjacent live structures in this civilised country. Switching at various points along the new electrification.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2025 ==


Heard they're onto snagging works now but not due to be live until December at the earliest

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2025 ==

Probably best to ask Gareth Dennis about any of this

In terms of things left to finish: the new pedestrian footbridge at Giffnock Station was supposed to open last week, but it’s still not ready. There's been no official word on when it might reopen, and from what I can see walking past it daily, there doesn’t seem to be much happening on-site. A neighbour mentioned they heard from people working on site that the station works are about a month behind schedule, which is a bit surprising considering the weather's been mostly dry—so it seems like there might be other factors causing delays.

Living right beside the station, I really rely on that bridge to get around—especially for everyday errands and reaching Fenwick Road, since it's the main and well used connection from this side of town. Not having access has been a real hassle, especially on top of needing to find alternative ways to commute by train from Williamwood on packed trains. And with the Thornliebank Road bridge also having been out of action for a while (thankfully now reopened), local traffic has been a bit of a nightmare. My neighbours and I are definitely looking forward to seeing all these works finally wrapped up soon.

 

[GraphitProjekt]

Probably best to ask Gareth Dennis about any of this

is he involved somehow??

 

[d9009alycidon]

Attached notice being distributed via local Facebook groups etc. Doesn't specify whether services will operate from the new Hairmyers Station or not. Given that the Redwood Drive roadworks look a fair was from completion and the car park looks as if there is still a lot of work to do.

 

[InOban]

The last NR press release said that although the new station will be open ( I don't think the old Hairmyres could be) it was clear that much of the new car park ( which is a Council project ) would not be complete until the autumn

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

The last NR press release said that although the new station will be open ( I don't think the old Hairmyres could be) it was clear that much of the new car park ( which is a Council project ) would not be complete until the autumn

Noting what you say, how many car park spaces would be available when the new Hairmyres station opens?

 

[alxndr]

The last NR press release said that although the new station will be open ( I don't think the old Hairmyres could be) it was clear that much of the new car park ( which is a Council project ) would not be complete until the autumn

The platform edge at the old station was away when I was there a few weeks ago so it’s the new station or nothing. The new station itself looks largely complete, there’s just the mess either side.

 

[kkong]

The anticipated final cost of the East Kilbride Rail Enhancement project is now £143.7m.

Source: page 8 of the letter from the Director General of the Scottish Exchequer to the Scottish Parliament's Public Audit Committee.

Project: East Kilbride Rail Enhancement

Business case approved stages:
Project is part of the East Kilbride and Barrhead Rail Enhancement scheme.
The scheme will make rail services reliable, efficient, and attractive to passengers and support modal shift whilst progressing against the Scottish Government’s target to decarbonising the rail network.
The OBC outlined that total project cost was estimated to be £100 million to £120 million and that it was estimated to be operational in December 2024.
The FBC outlined that total project cost was estimated to be £139.8 million and that it was estimated to be operational in December 2025.

Progress at August 2024:
No change to FBC cost or timing since the last report.

Progress at February 2025:
No change to FBC timing since the last report.
The Anticipated Final Cost is now £143.7 million which is an increase to that at FBC and as previously reported.
This is mainly a consequence of Transport Scotland requiring to contribute towards the delivery of Hairmyres Station Car Park.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Interesting. Haimyres station car park drove the cost up.

 

[clc]

Does anyone know if there are any plans for a retail unit in the new Hairmyers station?

 

[InOban]

Interesting. Haimyres station car park drove the cost up.

I'm not sure that's true. The carpark was being funded by the Council but it can no longer afford the full cost so NR are paying some of the it. In a sense the ScoGov is bailing out the Council.

 

[OB23Gone]

In terms of things left to finish: the new pedestrian footbridge at Giffnock Station was supposed to open last week, but it’s still not ready. There's been no official word on when it might reopen, and from what I can see walking past it daily, there doesn’t seem to be much happening on-site. A neighbour mentioned they heard from people working on site that the station works are about a month behind schedule, which is a bit surprising considering the weather's been mostly dry—so it seems like there might be other factors causing delays.

Living right beside the station, I really rely on that bridge to get around—especially for everyday errands and reaching Fenwick Road, since it's the main and well used connection from this side of town. Not having access has been a real hassle, especially on top of needing to find alternative ways to commute by train from Williamwood on packed trains. And with the Thornliebank Road bridge also having been out of action for a while (thankfully now reopened), local traffic has been a bit of a nightmare. My neighbours and I are definitely looking forward to seeing all these works finally wrapped up soon.

Was told today 10-May that Tue 13th would see access across the line available again. Fencing on platform 2 to be completly installed, some signage to be put up, some lighting to be installed, parts of platform tarmac to be attended to. Would imagine sone sprucing up works will also be required

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 May 2025 ==

Redwood Dr Was accessible From Eaglesham Road End on Friday 09-05-2025. Looks like the Greenhills Round-about will be being replaced with a Traffic Lights Controlled Junction (sorry if this is Old Hat). There were a couple of temporary lights sections set up on the road. The Traffic lights for the Station South Car Park are installed and look ready to go as soon as the car park becomes operational. Some Panoramic photos of the South Station side and car park. Also 1 of some works carried out to the Old Hairmyres Station Platform.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 May 2025 ==

See we now have a New Junction on the EK Branch. Hairmyres East Jn where the line splits for the extended Loop and The New Hairmyres Station

 

[MadMac]

Something that just occurred to me: has the ‘old’ Hairmyres station been formally closed procedurally?

 

[takno]

Something that just occurred to me: has the ‘old’ Hairmyres station been formally closed procedurally?

I don't think you need to issue a closure just to move the platforms a bit. Didn't happen in the case of Morley anyway

 

[MadMac]

I don't think you need to issue a closure just to move the platforms a bit. Didn't happen in the case of Morley anyway

That’s what I had wondered about. Long time ago, but when Partick Hill was replaced by Partick (literally across the road), I think BR had to formally close Partick Hill.

 

[takno]

That’s what I had wondered about. Long time ago, but when Partick Hill was replaced by Partick (literally across the road), I think BR had to formally close Partick Hill.

There does seem to be a degree of inconsistency. I'm not sure if there's a maximum distance, or rules about what lines it is on, or whether the change in name makes it more convenient. Hell, BR might even have managed to get somebody to cough up a grant or tax break for a new station which they couldn't get for a refurbishment.

 

[zwk500]

There does seem to be a degree of inconsistency. I'm not sure if there's a maximum distance, or rules about what lines it is on, or whether the change in name makes it more convenient. Hell, BR might even have managed to get somebody to cough up a grant or tax break for a new station which they couldn't get for a refurbishment.

I think there is a specified distance, and IIRC it's 400m or 1/4mile. I might be completely wrong though!

 

[MadMac]

I think there is a specified distance, and IIRC it's 400m or 1/4mile. I might be completely wrong though!

The distance between ‘old’ and ‘new’ Hairmyres is generally quoted as 600m. Maybe there’s some sort of “get out” for what is essentially a relocation?

 

[zwk500]

The distance between ‘old’ and ‘new’ Hairmyres is generally quoted as 600m. Maybe there’s some sort of “get out” for what is essentially a relocation?

I plead my 2nd sentence!

 

[NotATrainspott]

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2025/81/made

Scottish Statutory Instruments

2025 No. 81​

Transport

The Railway Closure (Exclusion) (Hairmyres) Order 2025​

Made
19th March 2025
Laid before the Scottish Parliament
21st March 2025
Coming into force
18th May 2025
The Scottish Ministers make the following Order in exercise of the powers conferred by section 38(1)(c) of the Railways Act 2005(1) and all other powers enabling them to do so.

Citation, commencement and interpretation​

1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Railway Closure (Exclusion) (Hairmyres) Order 2025 and comes into force on 18 May 2025.
(2) In this Order, “the station at Hairmyres” means the railway station situated adjacent to Eaglesham Crescent, Hairmyres, South Lanarkshire, G75 8SW.

Exclusion from application of section 30 of the Railways Act 2005​

2. The station at Hairmyres is excluded from the application of section 30(2) of the Railways Act 2005.
FIONA HYSLOP
A member of the Scottish Government
St Andrew’s House,
Edinburgh
19th March 2025

EXPLANATORY NOTE​

(This note is not part of the Order)
Section 30 of the Railways Act 2005 provides for a closure procedure where there is a proposal by a funding authority to close a station. Section 38 of that Act enables the exclusion of stations from that procedure and article 2 of this Order excludes the station at Hairmyres, in the local government area of South Lanarkshire, from the procedure. The station at Hairmyres is being relocated as part of the East Kilbride Enhancement Project.
No Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared for this Order as no impact upon business, charities or voluntary bodies is foreseen.
A Childs Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment has been prepared and can be viewed at https://www.legislation.gov.uk.
(1)
2005 c. 14.
(2)
Section 30 was amended by S.I. 2015/1682 and S.I. 2018/631.

 

[MadMac]

Basically, it’s “We don’t have to formally close it, and here’s why”. Fair enough. Some common sense for once!

 

[d9009alycidon]

The order states "no impact to businesses". Quite sure the owners of the shop on the old station platform would dispute that. Wonder if they have been offered any compensation as they are bound to suffer a significant drop in trade

 

[OB23Gone]

Giffnock footbridge now opening SUNDAY

 

[apjsco]

Giffnock footbridge now opening SUNDAY

Surprise, surprise! I’m not sure what’s gone wrong at Giffnock station, but I’d be genuinely surprised if they manage to pull things together in time for Sunday’s reopening. The site is in disarray, and progress has been noticeably slower compared to the rest of the project. Large crates of Stannah equipment have been sitting untouched at the Forres Avenue site entrance since march.

 

[deerokus]

Yes I'd be very surprised if it's open by then, it doesn't look close to finished, there were guys still working on the bridge today when I went past.

 

[hux385]

There are some testing runs happening along the line today with 156s according to RealTime Trains. I assume this is for staff training with the new platform layouts in particular at Hairmyres?

 

[Southsider]

There are some testing runs happening along the line today with 156s according to RealTime Trains. I assume this is for staff training with the new platform layouts in particular at Hairmyres?

They’ve been going up and down all morning, a two, a four and a six car. Oddly, they seem quieter than before.