The Office of Rail and Road has authorised the new Balgray station in East Renfrewshire, clearing the final regulatory milestone ahead of its planned opening to passengers on 27 September.
Located on the Neilston line between Neilston and Patterton, the new station will provide another connection into the Glasgow suburban rail network for communities around Barrhead while improving public transport access to Dams to Darnley Country Park.
ORR’s authorisation covers the complete station infrastructure, including two 125-metre platforms, a footbridge, lifts providing step-free access, waiting shelters and passenger information systems.
An 80-space car park has also been constructed, including 16 electric vehicle charging points.
Regulatory approval clears route to opening
Infrastructure authorisation is a significant final stage in bringing a new railway asset into passenger use.
Before granting approval, ORR assesses whether new, upgraded or renewed infrastructure meets requirements covering areas including health and safety, accessibility, environmental protection, reliability and availability.
The regulator said it had worked closely with Network Rail and the wider Balgray project team during the process to ensure the necessary checks and surveys were completed.
Steve Fletcher, ORR’s Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management, said: “This is an important step in getting Balgray station ready to welcome passengers and improving access to rail for communities in and around Barrhead.
“We’re pleased to have played our part in getting the station ready to open. Our team worked closely with Network Rail to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.”
New connection for growing communities
The station is intended to improve access to employment, education and leisure opportunities for surrounding communities by providing a direct connection to the existing Neilston line.
Accessibility has been incorporated into the station infrastructure, with lifts connecting the two platforms and providing a step-free route through the station.
Its location will also improve sustainable access to Dams to Darnley Country Park, while the inclusion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the car park reflects the station’s potential role as an interchange between rail and local road journeys.
For Scotland’s railway, Balgray is another example of targeted investment in new stations designed to make better use of existing routes and extend access to the network without requiring an entirely new railway.
With regulatory authorisation now secured, attention turns to the final preparations ahead of the first passenger services calling at Balgray on Sunday 27 September.
Photo credit: Network Rail
