Three major construction contracts amounting to £100m have been awarded today to improve rail infrastructure in Scotland.

The contracts are part of £300m of Scottish Government investment to deliver the new Airdrie-Bathgate Rail link.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said that the contracts, awarded by Network Rail to Carillion, BAM Nuttall and C Spencer, would be a real boost to the construction industry and deliver major rail improvements for Scotland.

Carillion has been awarded an £80m contract to build new stations at Caldercruix, Armadale and Drumgelloch and a range of other new structures and earthworks. The company will also carry out ground treatment and filling operations.

BAM Nuttall will deliver the new station at Bathgate, the new platform at Airdrie and a range of bridge works and earthworks in a £14m contract.


C Spencer has been awarded a £6m contract to build the new light maintenance depot in Bathgate.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "These contracts will be a real boost to the construction industry and will deliver major rail improvements for Scotland.

"I am delighted to see the progress today - a key element of our transport investment programme with Transport Scotland and Network Rail.

"We'll see new stations, new platforms, maintenance depots and structural work, all part of a total investment of £300m to deliver the new Airdrie-Bathgate Rail link."

Mr Stevenson said once complete, the new line will bring "real improvements" for passengers, creating a fourth route between Scotland's two largest cities, opening up further economic and social benefits for communities across the central belt.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail director Scotland, said: "Strategically and economically, the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Project is vital for the continuing development of Scotland's public transport network, providing enhanced accessibility and mobility to a growing population in the Central Belt and creating an additional rail link between the country's two largest cities.

"The awarding of these contracts marks a major step in the delivery of this project and we look forward to working with Carillion, BAM Nuttall and C Spencer to create a first-class route and facilities for the travelling public."

The three companies will begin work this spring and all works will be completed by autumn 2010 ahead of the reopening of the railway in December 2010.

(GK/JM)