£300m to be spent on rail network

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6521907.stm

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A total of £300m is being spent on the rail network in Scotland over the next two years.

The Network Rail funds are being spent as part of a £4bn UK-wide package.

Much of the money has already been allocated to projects including the Airdrie to Bathgate rail link and the Waverley station upgrade in Edinburgh.

David Simpson, Network Rail's route director in Scotland, said the funds would also be used for East Coast and West Coast main line improvements.

He added that improvements to the national rail communications system would help improve safety and reliability across the entire rail network.

'Scottish focus'

Across the UK, hundreds of platforms will be lengthened, dozens of new platforms added, new lines built, line speeds raised and capacity added through major resignalling schemes.

Mr Simpson said: "Our Scottish focus over the next two years, in conjunction with our rail industry partners, is to deliver the major projects to which we have previously committed.

"Waverley station and Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine works are progressing extremely well, while Airdrie-Bathgate's recent advancement through the Scottish Parliament will mean that we can begin work imminently."

John Armitt, Network Rail's chief executive, said commuters should see a better service within twelve months.

Network Rail is working on over 900 individual schemes across the UK.