Kilmarnock Train Station is set to benefit from a substantial £13.5 million track upgrade project later this year, aimed at improving journey times and reliability on the key rail route connecting Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway.
Major Engineering Work Scheduled
Network Rail Scotland has announced that major engineering work will take place at the station this summer, specifically in August and September, to modernise the track layout. The upgrades are designed to tackle infrastructure constraints that currently slow trains down, allowing for faster and smoother operations through Kilmarnock once completed.
Details of the Upgrades
The project includes several key improvements:
- Enhancing the track layout for trains arriving from the south into platforms three and four, enabling them to enter the station at higher speeds.
- Rebuilding and simplifying sections of track for southbound services leaving platform four to reduce wear on equipment and improve day-to-day reliability.
- Relocating part of the track on platform three that allows trains to change lines further away from the station, giving southbound trains a smoother and quicker exit.
During the works, engineers will install 5.5 kilometres of new rail, lay 3,200 new concrete sleepers, and reuse around 800 existing sleepers. Additionally, approximately 7,500 tonnes of ballast—the stone supporting the track—will be replaced. A total of 31 engineering trains will operate over the 16-day works period, with two large rail cranes used.
Line Closures and Disruptions
To ensure the work is completed safely, temporary line closures will be necessary. The railway between Barrhead and Dumfries will be closed for 16 days, from Saturday, August 29, until Monday, September 14. During this period, no trains will operate between Barrhead and Dumfries or between Kilmarnock and Troon. ScotRail services in the affected areas will be replaced by buses, while trains will continue to run between Glasgow Central and Barrhead, and between Dumfries and Carlisle. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check their journeys before travelling.
Official Statements
Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “This work is about strengthening a busy part of the railway so it can perform even better in the years ahead. By upgrading the track at Kilmarnock, we’re improving how trains move through the station and supporting a more consistent service for the communities it serves. Keeping the railway in good shape means continuing to make improvements that help services run as smoothly as possible. Although there will be some short term disruption, the aim is to deliver lasting benefits for the future.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, added: “While this work will mean some temporary disruption, it is a vital investment in the long-term future of this important route. Our focus is on helping customers travel with confidence throughout the works, with clear information available in advance and a robust rail replacement transport plan in place along the route. The upgrades at Kilmarnock will help improve the reliability of services between Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and deliver smoother journeys for customers. We’re grateful for our customers’ patience and understanding while Network Rail deliver this important upgrade.”
