Work begins on historic Borders Railway project

Date: 13/2/2013

Work has begun on the historic Borders Railway scheme to improve transport connections between Edinburgh and the Scottish border.

As the Scotsman reports, the £300 million project will become the longest stretch of once-defunct railway to be reopened in modern British history when it is eventually complete, and seven new stations will be built to accommodate the route.

With site clearances and ground investigations having started, the aim is for the line to be operational in summer 2015 when trains will begin to run from Waverley to the Borders.

"The mobilisation for the main works is now underway, with the first earth moving and bridge works set to begin in spring this year," said Network Rail Project Director Hugh Wark.

"We've split the construction of the route into three sections - north, central and south - and we'll be working simultaneously in all locations."

More than 400 new jobs are being created as part of attempts to ensure the project remains on schedule.

Posted by Sarah Bailey 

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