A NEW train station on the outskirts of Glasgow is set to open next month, Network Rail has said.
The under-construction Balgray station, in Barrhead, will open to the public on Sunday, September 27, a whole two months sooner than the originally planned November opening date.
The station, on the line between Glasgow Central and Neilston, is hoped to improve rail connections to and from the city by helping people travel for work, education and leisure while providing easier access to destinations including Dams to Darnley Country Park.
The new station has two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, as well as waiting shelters, cycle storage, and ticket machines. There is an 80-space car park with charging points for electric vehicles.
Walkways from the platforms will connect directly with Balgray reservoir paths and provide access to local housing developments.
Ashley McDonald, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said with just a month to go, Balgray station is “really starting to look and feel like part of the railway”.
She added: “A huge amount of work has gone into getting us to this point and, over the coming weeks, our focus is on completing the final testing and preparations needed to welcome passengers safely in September.
“We're looking forward to seeing the first trains call at the station and the difference it’ll make for people travelling across the area.”
Balgray station is being built to serve the growing community around Barrhead and improve rail connections to and from Glasgow, Network Rail said.
The station is part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, funded by the UK and Scottish governments and East Renfrewshire Council.
While the main construction work is complete, teams are continuing with final testing, safety checks and other behind-the-scenes preparations ahead of opening day.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, added that it is “fantastic to see” the Balgray station just one month away from opening as ScotRail is looking forward to welcoming customers from next month.
He said: “The new station will make it easier for people in the growing local community to choose rail for work, education, and leisure, while providing convenient connections to Glasgow and across Scotland.
“We’re committed to encouraging more people to choose the train as their preferred mode of transport, and new stations like Balgray play an important role in making rail a more accessible and attractive option.
“We’re proud to have worked alongside our partners to help deliver this investment, and we look forward to seeing the benefits it brings to the community for many years to come.”
East Renfrewshire Council leader, Owen O'Donnell, added that there is “huge excitement” from local residents about the opening of Balgray station as it will be the first new train station in East Renfrewshire in almost 100 years.
O'Donnell said: “Balgray station will make it much easier for our growing community in Barrhead to travel by public transport, and for visitors to access Dams to Darnley Country Park.
“On a recent visit to the station site, I was really impressed by the new facilities on offer and it was great to see that final preparations are underway for the opening in one month's time.”
