Central Scotland MSP and Shadow Minister for Transport, Graham Simpson visited SPL Powerlines at their compound in Nitshill to discuss the electrification of the East Kilbride and Barrhead to Glasgow rail line.
He met with Lee Pounder, SPL Regional Director and David Boyce, Head of Project Communications at Network Rail, who updated him on the works before providing a tour of the compound.
Mr Simpson was also shown a practical demonstration of the process for piling and erecting pylons along the line.
SPL Powerlines confirmed the Barrhead to Glasgow line, which is due to be fully electrified by December 2023, is progressing well.
The team also briefed Mr Simpson on when work is expected to start on the East Kilbride rail line – which was due to be fully electrified and dualled.
However, late last year the Scottish Government announced this will be electrified but no longer dualled in its entirety.
Mr Simpson was pleased to see the Barrhead section of the project moving at pace but remains disappointed that the East Kilbride route has been downgraded.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “It was good to hear that the team at SPL are making good progress with the electrification of the Barrhead line and great to see the work which goes into completing a project like this.
“This is an exciting development which will help reduce local emission levels but also make the service more reliable for local residents.
“It was also useful to hear about their plans for the East Kilbride leg of the route. I will continue to call on the SNP to rethink their short-sighted decision to scrap dualling the line in its entirety.
“There is still time for the Minister to proceed with the initial plan and provide the town with a future-proof rail network, electrified and dualled all the way to East Kilbride”.
