Work begins on-site for Airdrie to Bathgate

Network Rail and Transport Scotland has marked the start of advance works on the Airdrie-Bathgate rail link with a ceremonial sod cutting event at Livingston North Station on 21 June 2007.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail's Director, Scotland ; and Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, marked the start of work on-site with the removal of the first shovel of soil.

The first phase of works includes moving earth to help double tracking of the existing route between Bathgate and Edinburgh , and upgrading of Livingston North and Uphall stations.

All work could be complete with services running on the new railway by 2010.

Ron McAulay, Director Scotland, Network Rail said: "We're pleased to start the building stage of this project with continued cross party backing and the full support of the new Scottish Executive.

"With funding from Transport Scotland and delivery by Network Rail, this line will bring enormous economic and social benefits to Scotland and transform access to public transport. This is an exciting time for everyone involved and we look forward to delivering this new railway."

* Transport Scotland has committed funding for the project to a maximum of £299.7 million.
* Work will be carried out by Edmund Nuttall Ltd and Jarvis plc.
* For more information visit

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Change the million to billion and that will give you the total cost.

£299 billion would be quite a price tag - I would expect 24 carat solid gold rails for that kind of money!