During a 12-week phased closure, Network Rail has worked around the clock to deliver the extensive investment in the critical West Coast Main Line (WCML) junction which included remodelling and upgrading the platforms at the South Lanarkshire station.

As part of the work to remodel the junction, engineers have realigned the station platforms to work with the new track geometry and overhead wire layout. This included reshaping 65m at the south end of platform 1 to enable a more efficient connection from the station to the Edinburgh line.

Work also saw the removal of the platform edges and surfaces and the renewal of more than 300m of platform surface drainage. The lighting systems across the station were also upgraded before new platform copes, with integrated tactile edges, were added and the full 2,500 square metres of the platform was resurfaced.

Jim McCleary, Network Rail’s programme manager for the Carstairs project, said: “While part of the work was essential to the overall delivery of the remodelling of the junction, the track-access provided an opportunity to renew and upgrade the platforms at the station.

“The station work was delivered during the 12-week closure on the line and I am delighted that this was carried out safely and efficiently. It’s credit to the skill and expertise of the contractors involved.

“Thank you to passengers for their patience during this work. I hope that they begin to see and experience the benefits the investment in the railway is delivering.”

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, added: “We are delighted that the work at Carstairs has been completed successfully and the station can now reopen for passenger service.

“We know lengthy line closures can be a real inconvenience for customers, and while we do everything we can to keep people moving during major upgrade works, it’s great to get people back to travelling on trains.

“I’d also like to thank our customers for their patience while this important work to both the junction and station was delivered.”