ScotRail and Network Rail's ScotRail Alliance has completed the £60m project to renovate and modernise the Glasgow Queen Street rail tunnel in Scotland.
The tunnel has been reopened after 20 weeks of closure for improvement work, which included refurbishment of 1,800m of concrete slab track and the installation of over 4,000m new rails through the structure.
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The project also included the extension and transformation of the platforms and track layouts within Queen Street station in preparation for electrification of the main Glasgow-Edinburgh line next year.
The project saw around 3,000 engineers working more than half-a-million hours. It was completed three days ahead of schedule.
ScotRail Alliance's managing director Phil Verster said: “The successful, early delivery of this project will allow us to introduce faster, longer, and greener trains on the main Edinburgh-Glasgow line, delivering thousands of extra seats, shorter journey times, and improved accessibility for customers.
“This was a massive engineering challenge and it was only through the careful planning and professional delivery of the project team that we have been able to complete this vital investment in Scotland’s railway ahead of schedule.”
The upgrade of the tunnel has been provided by engineers working on the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) to electrify the main Edinburgh-Glasgow line, via Falkirk High.
Glasgow Queen Street upgrade work will continue for the next three years with the extension of the station towards George Square and the development of a new concourse as well as passenger facilities.
Image: ScotRail Alliance managing director Phil Verster, Transport Minister Humza Yousaf, and EGIP programme director Dr Rodger Querns. Photo: courtesy of Network Rail.
