A historic electric railway is getting a £20 million revamp

Scotland’s first electrified railway was switched on a little over 65 years ago. The launch of the North Clyde line (also known as the Glasgow North Electric Suburban) marked the start of modern rail travel in the country. Decades later, it’s the busiest suburban network outside of London but it’s in need of a major makeover. 

Much of the equipment that was installed to get the railway working back in 1960 is still there. Now it’s nearing the end of its life. The overhead power lines that operate the railway need replacing in order to ensure trains keep running safely and smoothly and renewal work is getting underway this year. Yes, unfortunately it is likely to cause some significant disruption. 

Network Rail is focusing on upgrading the sections of the line that run from Helensburgh, Balloch and Milngavie through Glasgow’s west end and low‑level stations. Work has already started on refurbishing the equipment that holds the overhead wires in place, in preparation for the main bulk of work happening later this year. Network Rail confirmed that the more intensive engineering work to replace the wires themselves is scheduled for the Christmas and New Year period for the next three years so as to cause the least possible disruption. The whole upgrade is expected to cost £20 million. 

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: ‘We 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.

‘This 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.’

Scotrail said that it’s working closely with Network Rail to keep customers on the status of affected journeys and make sure they have the information they need to plan ahead. If you’re a frequenter of the North Clyde line, you can check for service updates here when work gets underway. 

Did you see that a ‘magic’ UK seaside train route has been named one of the best in Europe? 

Plus: Europe’s most expensive city for tourist accommodation is in Scotland. 

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