Rail services hit by festive work

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7033625.stm

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Major engineering works will close parts of Scotland's rail network over the festive season.

The modernisation project will affect services in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Aberdeen and Dundee.

Network Rail said the works had been timed to "minimise the impact on passenger services" and take advantage of the holiday period.

However, several lines will be closed and First ScotRail said replacement buses would be in operation.

David Simpson, Network Rail route director for Scotland, said: "The engineering works we have announced are vital to the delivery of important expansion projects across the country.

"We are fully aware of the effect these works will have on passengers and we are working with our partners to ensure that passengers are kept informed about the timetable changes and bus replacement services."

Mr Simpson said the work would help deliver projects such as the Airdrie to Bathgate and Stirling to Alloa to Kincardine lines and the Glasgow Airport Rail Link.

The planned works will include;

<ul class="bulletList"><li>the electrification of Waverley station's Mound tunnel between 25 December and 4 January</li>

<li> the redesign and renewal of track at Glasgow's Shields Junction between 26 December and 6 January</li>

<li> installation of new signalling systems at both Glasgow Central Station, on 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January and between Larbert and Stirling on 2 January</li>

<li>maintenance at various locations on the Edinburgh to Glasgow and Dundee to Aberdeen routes on 2 January</li></ul>

Steve Montgomery, First ScotRail's operations and safety director, said: "We have done everything possible to keep inconvenience to an absolute minimum.

"Clearly, some journeys will take longer than normal and our customers should allow more time for travel."