£800,000 Drainage Upgrade Planned for Bathgate–Edinburgh Line

Network Rail is to invest £800,000 in drainage upgrades on the line between Bathgate and Edinburgh next month in a move designed to improve reliability and reduce the risk of flooding. The work will focus on infrastructure near Bathgate station, where engineers will install around 800 metres of new, higher-capacity drainage pipe.

In addition to laying new pipework, teams will inspect and clear existing drainage systems to ensure they continue to function effectively. The improvements are intended to strengthen the resilience of the busy route and protect services from disruption caused by heavy rainfall.

To carry out the work safely, services will be altered on three Sundays in March — 15, 22 and 29. On those dates, trains will operate as normal between Helensburgh and Bathgate. However, rail replacement buses will run between Bathgate and Haymarket, calling at all intermediate stations. Passengers are being advised to check their journeys in advance and allow additional time for travel.

Eddie McLoone, project manager at Network Rail Scotland said:

“It’s been 15 years since the Airdrie-Bathgate line was reopened, and we’re continuing to invest in the parts of the infrastructure that will keep this route resilient for many more years to come. Drainage might not be the most visible part of the network, but it plays a vital role in keeping trains moving reliably. By strengthening this section of the line now, we’re helping protect services from the disruption that heavy rainfall can bring. We know there’s never a good time to close any part of the railway, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during the three Sundays in March while we carry out these improvements.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said:

“The drainage improvements being delivered by Network Rail are an important investment in the long-term resilience of the route between Bathgate and Edinburgh. While there will be some temporary changes to services on the three Sundays in March, we’ll have a robust rail replacement plan in place to allow customers to continue to travel with confidence. We’re working closely with Network Rail to ensure clear information is available for customers to plan their journeys in advance. I’d encourage anyone planning to travel on 15, 22, or 29 March to check their journey before setting off and allow some extra time for travel where needed.”

Image: Network Rail