Network Rail are set to begin the first stage of electrification on the Borders Railway – with three weekend line closures scheduled.
The work follows the Scottish Government’s announcement of a £342m investment to electrify routes in Fife and the Borders and introduce new battery‑electric trains in September.
Engineers will begin preparatory work from Saturday ahead of piling on the sections of the route to be electrified between Newcraighall and Shawfair, and from Bowshank Tunnel to Tweedbank station.
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Piling involves driving foundations into the ground to support the masts and cantilevers that will carry the future overhead line equipment and eventually enable electric trains to run between Edinburgh and Tweedbank.
Three weekend line closures have been scheduled next month for the work to be carried out. Part of the work will also be carried out overnight to make the best use of the time when the line is closed.
When will weekend line closures be?
Saturday 14 – Monday 16 March
Saturday 21 – Monday 23 March
Saturday 28 – Monday 30 March
Buses will replace trains for affected services. Passengers are advised to plan ahead, check their journeys with ScotRail before travelling and allow extra time where needed.
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.”
