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A \u00a320m project is underway to upgrade the overhead power lines on Scotland\u0092s original electrified railway. , , The work will focus on sections of the North Clyde lines, which\u2026 Credit: Network Rail<\/p>\nA \u00a320m project is underway to upgrade the overhead power lines on Scotland\u0092s original electrified railway. , , The work will focus on sections of the North Clyde lines, which\u2026 Credit: Network Rail<\/p>\n
A MAJOR \u00a320million upgrade is set to be carried out on Scotland\u2019s busiest rail line \u2013 but it could cause disruption for the next three years.<\/p>\n
Network Rail<\/a> has announced that works are due to be carried out to improve overhead power lines across the railway this Christmas<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign up for Scottish Sun newsletter\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\tThank you!\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n The works are due to be carried out on Scotland\u2019s busiest rail line Credit: Network Rail<\/p>\n It is part of a \u00a320million upgrade Credit: Network Rail<\/p>\n It will focus on several sections along the North Clyde lines, which is the busiest suburban network outside London<\/a>.<\/p>\n These lines run from Helensburgh, Balloch and Milngavie through Glasgow\u2019s west end \u2013 and one of the most critical parts of Scotland\u2019s railway.\u00a0<\/p>\n The electrification of the North Clyde was switched on in 1960, marking the beginning of modern rail travel<\/a> across the country.<\/p>\n But most of the equipment in and around the area is now 65-years-old, meaning it is at the end of its working life.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t HOUSE THAT!<\/p>\n Charming Scots town named one of the cheapest seaside property spots in UK<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/a> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t ‘END OF AN ERA’<\/p>\n Scots butcher with award-winning pies announces shock closure after 44years<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n And this means that works are due to be carried out to upgrade the current system <\/p>\n Some of the preparatory\u00a0work has already started, which includes refurbishing the equipment that holds the overhead wires in place.<\/p>\n The cantilevers and other supporting components were upgraded as part of this stage.<\/p>\n But more intensive engineering work is scheduled to be carried out over the Christmas and New Year<\/a> period to replace the wires themselves.<\/p>\n But Network Rail has warned that this could take a while for the works to be completed.<\/p>\n Bosses have said that the works will be carried out over the festive<\/a> break for the next three years.<\/p>\n This is set to cause major disruption for thousands of passengers stretching into the festive period of 2029.<\/p>\n The rail operator said that the works were planned for then because it is \u201cwhen passenger numbers are lower and the line can be closed with less travel impacts.\u201d<\/p>\n It will impact travellers during the festive period for the next three years Credit: Network Rail<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tFare prices ‘frozen’\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\tJOHN Swinney announced in February that ScotRail fares will be frozen for the next year.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n The First Minister said the move, which impacts thousands of commuters, is part of his focus on easing the cost of living in the country.<\/p>\n It came just under six months after the Scottish Government scrapped peak fares for good.<\/p>\n The government said this cut costs by as much as 48 per cent.<\/p>\n The freeze will apply to all ScotRail fares, including Season tickets and Flexipass.<\/p>\n Rail fare hikes are usually imposed from April of each year, with 2025 seeing an increase of 3.8 per cent.<\/p>\n The Government hopes the move will make rail travel \u201ca much more credible option\u201d for Scots.<\/p>\n Speaking at Edinburgh Waverley station, the First Minister said: \u201cI know the cost of living crisis is still hurting people across Scotland \u2013 and this government is determined to take action to support people wherever we can.<\/p>\n \u201cFreezing rail fares is an important way for us to keep people\u2019s costs down and keep more money in their pockets.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Scottish Government is resolutely focused on supporting people with the cost of living \u2013 and food, electricity and other costs continue to rise, we are taking action to keep the costs of people\u2019s commute down.\u201d<\/p>\n Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland<\/a>, said: \u201cThis stretch of railway was where electrification began in Scotland and marked a real turning point. It changed how people travelled around Glasgow<\/a> and helped shape the network we use today.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe know how vital this area is to the railway as a whole. A single issue on the North Clyde can quickly affect services well beyond Glasgow, which is why this work is being planned now rather than waiting for more serious failures and wider disruption later.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis project is about looking after the railway that people rely on every day. By renewing it now, we are helping to make sure it continues to serve passengers and communities long into the future.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Mark Ilderton, ScotRail<\/a> service delivery<\/a> director, added: \u201cThe North Clyde routes are a vital part of Scotland\u2019s Railway, connecting communities from Argyll and Bute right through to West Lothian, supporting thousands of journeys every day. \u00a0<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/NINTCHDBPICT000675143872.jpg\"\/)
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