Balgray station moves closer to opening as footbridge and lifts installed

A major milestone has been reached in the construction of a new railway station in East Renfrewshire, with engineers completing the installation of its footbridge and lifts as the project moves closer to opening.

The £18.3m Balgray Station is being developed to serve the expanding community around Barrhead and to improve rail links into and out of Glasgow. The new stop is intended to support everyday travel for work, education and leisure, while also making it easier for visitors to reach nearby attractions such as the Dams to Darnley Country Park.

Construction work began in July 2025 and has progressed steadily, with platforms now in place alongside a newly built car park. This week’s installation of the footbridge connects the platforms and delivers step-free access, a key feature designed to make the station accessible to all passengers.

Attention will now turn to completing the remaining elements of the station and surrounding facilities. Planned works include cycle parking, a new footpath linking the station to the country park, designated accessible parking bays and electric vehicle charging points, all ahead of the station opening later this year.

Balgray Station forms part of the wider Glasgow City Region City Deal and is funded by the UK and Scottish Governments along with East Renfrewshire Council. The scheme is being delivered by Network Rail working in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting.

Ashley McDonald, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said:

“Strengthening rail connections in East Renfrewshire gives people another practical, reliable alternative to travelling by car. Better links mean shorter journeys, improved access to jobs and education, and simpler everyday travel. Installing the footbridge and lifts has really brought the station together. It means we can now start focusing on the details that will ensure it’s ready to welcome passengers later this year.”

East Renfrewshire Council leader Owen O'Donnell said:

"I'm delighted that that this major project milestone has been completed as this is such an important step in progress towards the new rail service. Balgray station is set to be a very welcome addition for our growing community in Barrhead, making it much easier for residents and visitors to travel to and from Barrhead and Dams to Darnley Country Park using public transport.”

Image: Network Rail