Progress Update

The Borders Railway has required much behind the scenes preparation to see the plans through Parliament and beyond.

Network Rail connection point

Network Rail connection point

Network Rail has successfully completed a package of works at the Millerhill connection point, south of Newcraighall Station that ensures the Borders Railway can be seamlessly connected to the main rail network. This workstream involved re-aligning a 300 metre turnback siding along the Borders Railway centre-line, and converting it from a straight siding to one with a 300 metre radius curve.

In preparation of these works, Transport Scotland arranged for ownership of the surrounding land to be transferred to Network Rail in order to accommodate the siding. The completion of these works means that the successful contractor will be able to construct the rail connection at a future date without interfering with the existing rail infrastructure.

The first stage of works involved clearing vegetation both along the new alignment and an area adjacent to the line to provide a working space. As the turnback siding had to remain operational at all times, all work affecting the existing railway infrastructure was then completed during a single 28 hour possession at the end of May. With this connection point now complete, the stage is set for the construction of the remaining Borders railway line.

Falahill

Falahill schematic

Transport Scotland successfully gained planning approval to adjust the alignment of the railway at Falahill to the benefit of local residents and A7 road users. Following detailed consultation with local residents, the new proposals which adjust the alignment of the new railway and the A7 at Falahill, will bring a safer and quieter environment for local residents, as well as make the main route to the Scottish Borders safer.

The proposed development involves reinstating the Borders Railway close to the old alignment of the former Waverley Railway and realigning the A7 public road, to the east of Falahill cottages. The realigned road will cross the railway using a simple new bridge structure. The plans will also enhance the visual environment in the area, as well as minimising the intrusiveness of the A7 and the railway to local residents. This will also provide better value for money by avoiding the need to address some complex engineering challenges presented by the local geography.

The scheme is expected to reduce the number of vehicle road accidents in the area by introducing safer overtaking opportunities, and will greatly reduce the effect on drivers on the A7 during railway and new road construction, therefore reducing disruption to residents and road users. The environmental benefits will include reduced visual intrusion on the countryside and reduced noise and emissions for Falahill residents, as both the road and railway are further away from the properties in this area than previously planned.

Ground investigation

As part of the procurement process, additional ground and structural investigations have been completed. Using a mixture of techniques including trial holes, boreholes and structural coring at a number of locations along the route of the railway, the results of these investigations provide more specific information for determining project costs and reduce risk by providing more detail about the ground and structural conditions along the route.

The site investigation works will support development of the specimen design.

Scour protection work

Gala Water scour protection works

Scour protection work has been carried out at Shoestanes and Burnhouse, areas where the railway will run adjacent to the Gala Water. This work involved protecting and maintaining the existing railway embankment by placing large stones at key sites to slow the flow of water and prevent erosion. The work was undertaken by Scottish Borders Council’s SBC Contracts and is the second phase of this work on the Gala Water.

European Investment Bank

Representatives of the European Investment Bank (EIB) visited the project in October 2010 to conduct a formal appraisal to see if the Borders railway project was eligible for financing. After considerable evaluation, in March 2011 it was confirmed that the project had met the eligibility criteria for a £100 million loan agreement from the EIB, which finances projects that are assessed to successfully contribute to the balanced development of the European Union.

Utilities Work

A series of advance utilities diversion works started in March 2010 in Galashiels. Transport Scotland and Scottish Borders Council have been working with Scottish Power, Scottish Water, BT, Scottish Gas Networks and Scottish Power Distribution at a variety of sites the length of the railway. Completion of these vital works ensures that the main contractor can focus on building the railway itself.