Commuters have been dealt a blow with the news that Anderston train station is to remain closed until June.
The city centre station has been closed since March 13 as part of the ongoing eight-week closure of the Argyle line to deliver a £32m investment in repairing and renewing tunnels, bridges and tracks between Rutherglen and Exhibition Centre.
While the Argyle line re-opens when normal services resume on May 8, trains will not stop at Anderston until June 5.
Network Rail say that extending the closure of Anderston allows most of their critical work on the entrance, booking office, concourse and platforms to be finished earlier and reduces the overall time taken to renovate the station by 12 weeks, completing in the autumn instead of by December 2022.
The work is designed to improve punctuality, reliability and the passenger experience on the line for years to come.
Once complete, the station will feature a lift for better customer access, a remodelled booking office and modern finishes on the stairs, floors and ceilings. This also includes improving the outside area to the station, with a new-look glazed entrance and enhanced external lighting.
Kris Kinnear, Network Rail Scotland’s capital delivery director, said: “We’re making these improvements as part of our commitment to becoming a better railway for our customers.
“The enhancements to the entrance, booking office, concourse and platforms will result in an improved passenger experience in the station. And the new lift will make access to and from the platforms easier, particularly for those with mobility difficulties.
“By keeping the station closed until June 5, beyond the re-opening of the wider Argyle line, we’re able to complete the work sooner, meaning passengers can reap the benefits of an improved station sooner.
“We fully appreciate that the closure of the station will mean customers have to plan ahead. During this time, I’d encourage customers to use other stations nearby and I’d like to thank them for their continued patience.”
David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, added: “If you use Anderston station then these improvements are going to make a big difference to your travel experience.
“The great news is that by keeping the station closed for a few extra weeks we’ll be able to modernise the entrance, concourse, and platforms more quickly.
“Customers will start enjoying their new surroundings from June and we thank you all for your patience while these essential enhancements are completed.”
To plan your journey during the eight-week closure of the line visit: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/anderston-tunnel-closure.
