12 October 2007
Redevelopment of the Glasgow Subway
SPT reports on plans for an east-west extension of the Subway system.
SPT Chief Executive Ron Culley today (Friday 12 October) provided a report to elected members about plans for future development of the Glasgow Subway system.
Mr Culley outlined the need to take an incremental approach to the modernisation of the existing network and suggested an East-West extension as a possible first stage of development.
A feasibility study will now be undertaken by consultants Grant Thornton to look at extending the Subway to the east and west of the city using existing tunnels and viaducts preserved from former railway networks.
Mr Culley said: "We know that, given the opportunity, we can deliver a first-class Subway system for the travelling public. While we hold to the view that the regeneration of Glasgow in general and the east end of the city in particular would benefit markedly from the development of an Eastern Circle, we understand the financial constraints that exist at present. Our task now is to address the modernisation of our Subway on an incremental basis. There are a number of factors to be considered but it would appear that a connection between east and west could provide a much improved service for passengers."
The potential route identified for the proposed extension starts at Bridgeton station, using a disused low level railway tunnel. It continues eastwards under London Road using the old railway tunnel, before surfacing at the eastern end of Celtic FC stadium. This is walking distance from Celtic Park and the new National Games arena, and is at the heart of the Clyde Gateway regeneration area.
In similar fashion there is also the possibility of looking at former rail viaducts which run from the SECC low level station towards Yorkhill hospital in the West.
The study will consider the possibility of developing this west–east link and whether it is feasible to join it to the existing low level Argyle line with an interchange at Argyle Street low level/St Enoch Subway.
The study highlights for the first time the possibility of using a light rail Subway car on heavy rail infrastructure. This novel approach would be subject to the approval of the Railway Inspectorate.
These proposals take advantage of the city's legacy of rail infrastructure, unused since the Beeching cuts of the 1960s. The old tunnels and viaducts remain intact.
Recent inspections show that the disused tunnels are structurally sound as a result of a care and maintenance regime. The creation of new Subway spur lines east and west of Glasgow, using existing infrastructure, could present an economical solution to calls for extending the system. A previous report put the cost of an Eastern Circle at an estimated £2.3billion. SPT is now investigating a much more cost stringent analysis for the East West extension.
Councillor Alistair Watson said: "There is great potential to use Glasgow's legacy of disused railway infrastructure, because we must ensure any solutions provide the public purse with good value for money. Having said that, there is a need for boldness in taking a leap forward. The decision on the host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is expected on 9 November. If Glasgow is successful in its bid, then it is necessary that the people of the West of Scotland are left with a lasting legacy. An extended Subway would be part of that"
ends