Go-ahead for £63m rail electrification

Construction is set to get under way in April on the £63m electrification of the Barrhead rail corridor following approval of the scheme.The scheme has been developed by Transport Scotland and Network Rail and will pass through East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire to the south of Glasgow. It will support both passenger and freight services and will be used as a key diversionary route for cross-border services. Construction work is due to be complete by December 2023.The East Kilbride corridor has recently been given approval for single track electrification infrastructure, though further development work is required.Transport Scotland said that the projects are being taken forward in the face of the significant financial challenges, and in light of uncertain future demand. It said that by progressing with single track this allows funds to be reallocated to other decarbonisation projects such as Borders electrification.