Crucial Appointments for Waverley Rail Project

25 September 2007

The reintroduction of the Waverley Railway Line has moved a step closer with the appointment of design engineers and environmental consultants.

Scott Wilson Railways will oversee the engineering requirements for the project including line and station design, surveys, maintenance, signalling and earthworks.  The design engineering phase is a vital step forward in the project, funded by Transport Scotland, to reconnect the Borders with the national rail network. When complete, the detailed design work will enable the Waverley Railway Project to commence the procurement and construction phase.

Councillor David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council says: "Leading up to such a major project, the detailed design work is an important phase in the delivery of the railway. Scott Wilson Railways was recognised for its ability and experience in delivering first-class design engineering work on significant projects in the UK and abroad."

Andy McCracken of Scott Wilson Railways says: "We are delighted to have secured this role in delivering one of Scotland's most significant transport projects. This appointment confirms our leading position as an international consultancy with major multidisciplinary expertise.”

Meanwhile, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) has been appointed as environmental advisors for the design and construction of the new railway.

Phillipa Sharp, Principal Consultant at ERM, says: "Having worked with Scottish Borders Council on the Waverley Railway for the past six years, preparing the Environmental Statement and Appropriate Assessment and supporting them through the Parliamentary hearing process, ERM is delighted to be able to see the project through to implementation, reconnecting the Borders into the rail network.

"For around 30 km of its length, between Heriot and Galashiels, the railway follows the Gala Water and crosses it several times. The Gala Water is an important tributary of the River Tweed and forms part of its European Special Area of Conservation, protected for the unusual plant life, Atlantic Salmon and otters which it supports. The line also runs through a beautiful and historic part of southern Scotland. As such, there is a unique complex of environmental issues which we will need to manage very carefully to make sure the new railway fits well into its surroundings."

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 opportunities 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 Lothian's predicted labour market shortfall of 18,500 people by 2015.

The Waverley Railway Project received Royal Assent in July 2006.

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