Dennyboy
On Moderation
I accept that the Hamilton swathes of this disused line may be beyond economic reopening partly given how it's original use wasn't for the carriage of passengers anyway and also that the (embanked) A749 Glasgow Road & Whirlies Bypass both lie in the way.
I have since come to concede an alternative use of the EK sections which may benefit EK-Edinburgh commuters. Incidentally, such needn't preclude full restoration of Hamilton movements in the future.
Take the section of WCML lying between Newton & Uddingston. There exists significant undeveloped land to create a short(ish) alignment of linking track. Another possibility if desired, and possibly cheaper than reopening and upgrading of existing unused solum, would be to create a SE chord where the Hamilton/Larkhall line would be crossed. Mostly clear of residencies (eg Howard Pl, Ct) west of A749, a few retail properties bounded by Stoneymeadow Rd & Braeview Pl may require the serving of CPO notices as may EK/Nerston Golf Club .
A majority of this commuter niche, ie EK-Edinburgh, currently either drive or travel into Glasgow to connect with Edinburgh trains (or coaches from Buchanan B/Stn). There isn't even currently a direct bus service to Uddingston. The same applies to intermediate locations within the route eg Newton Stevenson, Shotts, Fauldhouse & Livingston.
I also accept that (however regrettably scaled back) CLYDEmetro proposed a light-rail service in the Rutherglen Direction which may or may not have redeployed any of EK's redundant track. What's EK's chances of joining E'burgh services via the Uddingston section?
I have since come to concede an alternative use of the EK sections which may benefit EK-Edinburgh commuters. Incidentally, such needn't preclude full restoration of Hamilton movements in the future.
Take the section of WCML lying between Newton & Uddingston. There exists significant undeveloped land to create a short(ish) alignment of linking track. Another possibility if desired, and possibly cheaper than reopening and upgrading of existing unused solum, would be to create a SE chord where the Hamilton/Larkhall line would be crossed. Mostly clear of residencies (eg Howard Pl, Ct) west of A749, a few retail properties bounded by Stoneymeadow Rd & Braeview Pl may require the serving of CPO notices as may EK/Nerston Golf Club .
A majority of this commuter niche, ie EK-Edinburgh, currently either drive or travel into Glasgow to connect with Edinburgh trains (or coaches from Buchanan B/Stn). There isn't even currently a direct bus service to Uddingston. The same applies to intermediate locations within the route eg Newton Stevenson, Shotts, Fauldhouse & Livingston.
I also accept that (however regrettably scaled back) CLYDEmetro proposed a light-rail service in the Rutherglen Direction which may or may not have redeployed any of EK's redundant track. What's EK's chances of joining E'burgh services via the Uddingston section?
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