Work finally begins on £400m Glasgow subway upgrade

Jul 13 2011

subway

WORK started earlier this week on a s400million modernisation of the city's subway system.

For only the second time in its 115-year history, Glasgow's underground is undergoing a massive overhaul beginning at one of its busiest stations, Hillhead.

The Byers Road station, which sees almost two million passengers pass through its doors each year, will become the showcase station for the whole network.

SPT chairman Jonathan Findlay said: "The Glasgow subway has iconic status, not just in the city but in Scotland.

"Many of us have memories of its past but what we're focussing on now is its future.

"We have the chance to deliver a subway system that will last for generations to come one that will grow with Glasgow, attract new residents and visitors and help our streets from becoming more congested."

The city-wide network has suffered spiralling maintenance and operating costs in recent years, leading to SPT pushing for the investment as "the only option to secure the subway for future generations."

Research has shown that s150million could be saved over a 30-year period through a reduction in operation and maintenance costs.

It's predicted that passenger usage, currently 13million a year, could reach 18million.

Work at Hillhead station will take place at night and at the weekend to minimise disruption of services, with no closures currently forecast.

Improvements will include the installation of two new escalators, the relocation of the ticket office, creation of retail space and the replacement of all materials on walls, floors and ceilings.

The improvements are scheduled to be completed by next summer, with two more stations set to be revamped before the Commonwealth Games in 2014.