Edinburgh Waverley - Platform Extensions & Infrastructure Works

In order to facilitate the introduction of seven carriage, and subsequently eight carriage electric trains, and to prepare for projected future growth in demand for both track and capacity, a series of infrastructure works will be required within and around Edinburgh Waverley.

This work will build upon and enhance projects currently being delivered at Waverley station.

We need to extend platforms at Edinburgh Waverley to accommodate longer trains being introduced on both the Edinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk (E&G) route and the East Coast Main Line (ECML). There are two programmes underway to enable the introduction of these longer trains, the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) and the Intercity Express Programme (IEP)

What this work looks like

  • The work will be delivered in a way which minimises disruption for station users
  • A number of existing platforms will be extended (Platforms 5, 6 and 12)
  • Two new long length platforms will be created entailing extensions at both the East and West ends of the station and associated track remodelling activity
  • A crossover will be created to improve access to Platform 10
  • All works will include necessary changes to entrances and exits etc to maximise platform widths and the safe operation of the station
  • Work will encompass any required changes to track, signalling, points drainage etc stemming from the changes stopping points of the longer trains and evolving demands on the station’s capacity

NB The extension of platform 12 will require the repositioning of the escalators on the South West corner of the concourse. We were aware of this requirement when the escalators were initially installed

What it delivers

  • This project is about creating platforms of suitable length to facilitate the safe operation of eight carriage trains, improving the capacity of the route
  • Extensions to platforms 5 & 6 are required to accommodate 10-car IEP services on East Coast routes (Extended to 275m)
  • Extension to platform 12 is required to accommodate 8 car services on Edinburgh to Glasgow line via Falkirk High. (Extended to 204m)
  • In addition to the platform extensions, we will undertake work on the tracks (facing crossover) to increase flexibility on approaches to the station from the east
  • We are installing a crossover between platforms 10 and 11 which also improves operational flexibility at the station

NB Though not needed currently, aligning platforms 6 and 12 offers the potential for a through platform in the future should it be required

We will demolish buildings on Platform 11; the former Scotrail lounge and the red brick staff building, which are modern additions to the station and have little or no architectural or historic merit. This enables the extension of platform 12 and additionally serves to open up a separate area of concourse for pedestrian circulation and generally , de-clutter the area between platform 11 and 12 and provide views of the south ramp. It will also bring out the original columns which are currently encased by the red brick building.