14 December 2007
SPT to further investigate east-west Subway link
Initial study shows project is possible
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is to undertake a second stage study to investigate plans for an east-west Subway link.
An initial investigation by consultants Grant Thornton has found the proposed regeneration link to be feasible and has estimated the cost at between £60million and £210million.
Today (Friday 14 December) SPT members agreed to fund a more in-depth study at a cost of £250,000 to look in further detail at the proposals which involve using disused railway tunnels.
SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson said, "This detailed study will bring the possibility of the Subway link a step closer. It would make a major contribution to the redevelopment of the East End which is the driving force behind our plans.
"Of course the Commonwealth Games is a catalyst for this project but the main reason we are pursuing this proposal is the long term benefit it could bring the East End of Glasgow in particular."
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.
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.
The forthcoming study will look at the potential for the link to tie in with the proposed Clyde Fastlink and Glasgow Crossrail projects.
ends
Notes to editors:
- The spread of the cost estimate indicates the level of accuracy that Grant Thornton was able to produce at this stage. A more detailed second stage study will be able to provide a clearer idea of project costs.