Borders and Midlothian Get Set for Waverley

8 June 2007

Preparatory work for the Waverley Railway Project is getting underway, with survey work on the 35-mile route expected to begin mid June.

A six-month contract for a topographical investigation of the route has been awarded to Cartographical Surveys, which will carry out an exhaustive survey of features and structures along the line.

The start of this preparatory work is a vital step forward in the project, funded by Transport Scotland, to reconnect the Borders with the national rail network. When complete, the topographical information will allow the detailed design work to commence in earnest, taking the project a significant step nearer to the procurement and construction phase.

The clearance of vegetation along the route of the line is already underway. In addition, in preparation for the procurement of engineering contractors, interested companies will be out visiting parts of the designated route to better inform their forthcoming bids.

Councillor David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council says: "Leading up to such a major project, preparatory work is significant to the build and, ultimately, to the successful operation of the line. The topographical survey forms an integral part of the design process. Cartographical Surveys was recognised for its ability and experience in delivering first-class topographical information on significant projects."

The Waverley Railway Project is an initiative with the ultimate aim of re-establishing a rail link to provide a passenger transport service from Edinburgh to the central Borders area in Scotland by 2011.

The line will serve a combined population approaching 200,000 in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian, two of only three mainland areas in Scotland not currently served by a passenger railway. It will provide an effective public transport link to enable residents of the Scottish Borders and Midlothian to access important employment, education, health and leisure opportunities.

Furthermore, the reinstatement of the 35-mile railway line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank in the Borders will allow both areas to maximise their economic development opportunties through tourism and additional jobs.

The railway will also facilitate new housing, including affordable housing, and help in combating the overheated Edinburgh residential property market. In addition, it will tackle congestion and assist in addressing the Lothian's predicted labour market shortfall of 18,500 people by 2015.

The Waverley Railway Project received Royal Assent in July 2006 following the Scottish Parliament's decision to ratify the proposals.

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