Borders Railway Electrification Begins with March Closures Planned

The first phase of electrification work on the Borders Railway is set to get under way later this week, as Network Rail moves forward with plans to modernise the route.

The project follows the Scottish Government’s £342 million commitment, announced in September, to electrify lines in Fife and the Borders and introduce new battery-electric trains. The programme aims to cut carbon emissions, improve air quality, enhance journeys for passengers and lower long-term operating costs.

From Saturday 21 February, preparatory activity will begin ahead of piling works on sections between Newcraighall and Shawfair, and from Bowshank Tunnel through to Tweedbank station. Piling will see foundations driven into the ground to support masts and cantilevers that will carry the future overhead line equipment, paving the way for electric services between Edinburgh and Tweedbank.

Because the work can only be carried out safely when trains are not running, three weekend closures have been scheduled in March, with some activity also taking place overnight to maximise the time available:

• Saturday 14 - Monday 16 March
• Saturday 21 - Monday 23 March
• Saturday 28 - Monday 30 March

During these periods, replacement buses will operate in place of trains. Passengers are being urged to check their journeys with ScotRail before travelling and to allow additional time where necessary.

Lynsey Maclean, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said:

“The Borders Railway was rebuilt with future electrification in mind, which means we can deliver this work with far less intrusive engineering than is required on many older parts of the network, where we often need to lower track or raise bridges. The infrastructure here is already suitable for this next stage of modernisation. Piling is still a vital early step in installing the overhead line equipment that will eventually power electric trains. Our teams have planned the activity carefully to keep disruption to a minimum for passengers and those living near the railway. We’re grateful to customers and local residents for their patience while we complete this phase of the project. Electrification will deliver long-term benefits for the Borders, and this work marks an important milestone in creating a cleaner, more reliable and more sustainable railway for the future.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:

“The electrification of sections of Borders Railway is an important step in paving the way for new, greener trains and delivering a more modern railway for the communities we serve. These early works mark real progress towards introducing new trains, which will offer customers a quieter, smoother, and more environmentally sustainable journeys along the route. We know that electrification works can cause inconvenience to customers, so we’re working closely with Network Rail to keep customers informed and will provide clear alternative travel arrangements so customers can continue to travel with confidence when the project is underway.”

Image: Network Rail