The plan seems to be to use existing stock so that’s not a delaying factor. Apart from tying the wires in, testing, approvals and possibly some training I don’t know what’s left to do. There must be something I’m missing to fit in between now and December.
Barrhead was exactly the same
Still very much under construction. Old building still in use.
The work is taking place this week.
I believe there’s another three week shutdown next month? Might be when these issues get addressed.
I was there yesterday (4 July) in the rain and it’s still very much an active construction site.
At least it's active - things were so quiet I was getting worried!
Clarkston Platform ramp to the Library Car Park has been completed for weeks now by Story and NR. Main problem is who is responsible for what. There is no proper safe walking surface to the actual car park. Appears there is a lot of sorting out to be done. Ownership of land, building cost, responsibility for upkeep &. maintenance, planning consent etc etc. Could be a long time coming before the gates to and from the platform are finally unlocked
Barrhead was electrified and has just one electric per hour, plus one diesel to/from Kilmarnock. Weren't there supposed to be two, with the Kilmarnocks running fast? I assume the reason was shortage of electric stock.
The service reduction was part of the Fit for the Future timetable, which also got rid of the 4tph service to Ayr and to Gourock.
The other disappointment is how many of them are two car. The introduction of EMUs will force an increase in capacity.
There are 2 scheduled weekend shutdowns across the electric network in August: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/engineering-works?date=2025-08-01--2025-08-31
The lifts are now open to the public.
Just as aside, there is an opportunity to bag some rare track on those weekends as the Carlisle services are routed via a reversal Polmadie thence via the Larkfield Spur to Muirhouse South Junction.
As an aside, why only Carlisle/Dumfries doing this and not other services via Barrhead as has happened in the past?
I’d surmise lack of capacity and/or route knowledge. At some point, not electrifying this will come back to bite people who weren’t involved in the decision.
I don't understand why such a short section was left un-electrified!
This is correct. The car park on the north side of the station opened within the last week, though I am unable to give an exact date.
More discussion this here btw: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/scotrail-suburban-fleet-emu-and-bemu-market-engagement.289261/
