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Edinburgh-Galashiels
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| Info |
The Waverley Railway Project will provide a passenger service from Edinburgh through Midlothian to the central Borders area in Scotland which currently has no connection to the national rail network. The railway will deliver major economic and social development opportunities and is one of the most sustainable public transport proposals in Scotland, saving 450,000 tonnes of CO2. It will facilitate new housing, reduce congestion and address the Lothian's predicted labour shortfall of 18,500 people by 2015. |
| Support |
The consultation which took place as part of the Bill submission showed that 94% of respondents stated that they were 'in favour of the reopening of passenger rail services between Edinburgh and the central Scottish Borders.' Just as importantly, 90% of respondents said they would actually use the service. Significant public support was evident earlier with more than 17,200 people signing a petition in favour of the reopening. There is also substantial business support. |
| Route Status |
The trackbed is largely intact, as are most of the structures but many of these will need to be upgraded. Parts of the route currently accommodate a footpath which will have to be diverted. |
| Project Status |
National transport agency, Transport Scotland, has taken over the role of authorised undertaker for the project and will work closely with Edinburgh, Midlothian and Scottish Borders Councils to deliver the scheme in partnership with the rail industry. Market consultation and testing is already underway and will continue over the next few months. The official procurement process has now started. Work is expected to start on site in 2011 with completion towards the end of 2013. Site investigation and topographic survey works are underway and detailed design of the railway has started. |
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