£4m Bridge Upgrade Programme Planned for Inverclyde Line

Network Rail has confirmed a £4 million programme of bridge upgrades on the Inverclyde line, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and improving the long-term reliability of services. The work will be carried out during two planned blockades in February to minimise prolonged disruption.

Engineering teams will be on site from Saturday 7 to Tuesday 10 February and again from Saturday 14 to Tuesday 17 February. During these periods, a range of repairs and renewals will be undertaken at several locations along the route.

Planned works include repairs and partial replacement of retaining walls in Greenock, with new concrete sections being installed. The main deck of the River Gryffe Bridge will be replaced, alongside repairs to its steel structure to reinforce the bridge. Steelwork supporting the railway at Houston Road in Georgetown will also be repaired, while at Station Road in Langbank engineers will carry out steel repairs beneath the bridge and renew part of the platform using modern, durable materials.

To allow the work to be completed safely and efficiently, the Inverclyde line will be closed throughout both work periods. Rail replacement bus services will operate between Paisley Gilmour Street and Wemyss Bay or Gourock to maintain connectivity for passengers.

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said:

“This work is part of our commitment to maintaining a railway that communities and visitors can continue to rely on. We’ve combined a number of essential projects into one single closure, avoiding the need for multiple periods of disruption over a longer timeframe. We’re grateful to passengers and local residents for their patience and understanding while we carry out these improvements.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said:

“ScotRail is focused on maintaining reliable travel for customers while Network Rail completes these important improvements in Inverclyde. Our rail replacement services are designed to keep people moving with confidence, and we would encourage customers to check their journey in advance on the ScotRail website or app. This investment will deliver long-term benefits to the Inverclyde line, and we’re grateful for customers’ patience while the work takes place.”

Image: Network Rail