The first tracks were laid on the Borders Railway in May 2011, as part of the advance works undertaken by Network Rail to complete the connection spur at the Millerhill junction. Advance works, including a number of key utility diversions commenced in March 2010.
An estimate of £235M - £295M (at 2012 prices) has been stated in Parliament.
Competitive Dialogue is a flexible procedure that enables Transport Scotland to assess all aspects of a proposed contract with bidders and evaluate proposed detailed designs through a structured, well managed, competitive process.
Competitive Dialogue is more frequently used where public money is being spent on particularly complex projects. Although the tendering phase is longer than conventional tender periods for design and build contracts, the process encourages innovation among bidders, whole life costing solutions and competition to ensure Value for Money for the Scottish Government.
The railway will follow the route of the former Waverley Railway with the exception of four areas in Shawfair, Falahill, Bow Bridge and Galashiels where a new railway corridor will be formed. This equates to approximately 90% of the former route being re-used.
Existing structures, cuttings and embankment slopes, and retaining walls will be retained and re-used where practicable and where they can be refurbished to a standard which ensures the safe, efficient and reliable timetabled passenger train services.
No freight services are anticipated, however all new structures will be able to accommodate future freight traffic, if required.
Yes, the rail line could be upgraded to twin track should it be required in the future. At present, the rail line will function effectively using single track with the inclusion of three ‘dynamic loops' or passing places.
Transport Scotland is restricted to working within the terms of the Waverley Railway (Scotland) Act 2006 which is solely to construct a railway from Newcraighall to Tweedbank. Any proposal to extend the railway beyond Tweedbank would have to undergo a similar rigorous level of testing and scrutiny.
Following the original Waverley route was by far the most cost effective, as much of the corridor remained intact and many structures still remain. Some routes were discounted because of distance and time.
Midlothian Council has undertaken a study to explore the possibilities of public transport links along the A701 corridor, crossing the A720 at Straiton. This study examined the relative benefits of a Guided Bus way and Light or Heavy Rail. The study concluded that improvements to bus operations in the corridor should be progressed in the short term with heavy rail being considered in the medium to long term.
Midlothian Council is committed to providing good transport links between the proposed stations at Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange and Gorebridge and other major population centres, such as Dalkeith.
Scottish Borders Council aims to reduce traffic congestion in Galashiels town centre, therefore, the park and ride facility has been proposed at Tweedbank, which has good access to the A7 and A68 for towns south of Galashiels.
Galashiels station has been chosen specifically for its proximity to the existing bus station, taxi rank, and the majority of the town's population are within easy walking distance. Scottish Borders Council are considering plans to have a specially designed, transport interchange facility to provide integration between modal links, reducing the need for people to use their cars in the town centre.
Stations are being designed to allow integration and easy transfer to existing and future bus services.
For places south of Tweedbank, Scottish Borders Council is committed to providing:
All stations, trains and car parks will comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and its statutory instruments.
The ScotRail Franchise holder will operate train services on the route.
Matters such as fares will be fixed by the eventual operator of the service and will be subject to regulation by the Rail Regulator.
Where appropriate, the footpaths and cycle ways within the proposed scheme will be retained. Some of the original railway line, which has latterly been used as footpaths and cycle ways will be required for the rail line. Where these will be lost, work with the partner Councils will be undertaken to compensate for this elsewhere with similar facilities.
The cycle track at the back of Eskbank is part of the national cycle network and lies on the route of the previous Waverley Line. Discussions have been held with Sustrans to ensure adequate alternative routes are provided. In establishing replacement routes the opportunity has also been taken to develop proposals to complete some 'missing links' in the network between Dalkeith and Gorebridge.
Please view the project contact details if you have an enquiry specific to the Borders railway project.
If you wish to make a more general enquiry, please view the contact information page for details
On track newsletter - Winter 2010