Cumbernauld Electrification

Work to electrify more than 50 route kilometres between Springburn and Cumbernauld enabled the introduction of electric multiple unit (EMU) services between Cumbernauld and Glasgow Queen Street. It was the first delivery phase of line electrification as part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP).

Although it is largely referred to as between Springburn and Cumbernauld, the works also encompasses infill electrification of the triangle where it meets the Motherwell to Cumbernauld line near Gartsherrie.

Work was delivered between June 2013 and May 2014 to enable the introduction of electric services from the May 2014 timetable change and in advance of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

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What this work looks like

  • Initial phases of the work included vegetation clearance and piling to support the installation of masts and gantries to carry overhead wires
  • Junction, signalling and telecoms work and track renewal and replacement was undertaken to further modernise the infrastructure
  • Work at stations focussed on renewing platform surfaces, although there was some platform lengthening works, as follows –
    • At Cumbernauld - Platform 1 (the platform for Glasgow and Motherwell services) will be extended by 2.7 metres at the Glasgow end
    • At Greenfaulds both platforms will be extended at the Glasgow end
    • At Stepps both platforms will be extended at the Stirling end
  • We also provided a new double track arrangement at Sighthill Junction (immediately to the east of Springburn station) to provide enhanced operating flexibility at this location
  • Springburn junction was extensively re-modelled as part of this phase of work
  • Delivery included all appropriate civils, track, points, junction signalling and telecoms infrastructure required for this route
  • A new modular station building was delivered at Cumbernauld Station

What it delivered

  • The project delivered 16 miles of newly electrified railway to enable faster, modern, cleaner and quieter trains
  • The new electric trains will need to be stabled, cleaned, serviced and maintained daily
  • 1,000 masts and 53 wire runs took place during evening and weekend works
  • Although electrical services were introduced in May 2014, some non-critical, associated infrastructure and snagging work continued along the route until December 2014

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Cumbernauld bridge