£17m plan to modernise Glasgow’s subway network

Sections of Glasgow’s subway network are to be relined at a cost of around £17 million.

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Bosses at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport say the work is needed to keep the underground running.

It would have to go ahead even without the ongoing £288m modernisation of the system which will result in driverless trains.

Insiders at the transport body say it is hoped the relining can be carried out without any disruption to passengers but they admit they are unable to give any guarantees.

The work will involve targeted lining work including water sealing, filling voids and repairs to the tunnel lining and track bed.

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The sections to be relined are from Hillhead to Kelvinbridge, St Georges Cross, Cowcaddens, Buchanan Street and Shields Road to Kinning Park.

Members of SPT were today asked to award a £17 million contract to upgrade the network’s tunnel lining to engineering firm Freyssinet.

The contract is the largest single award to date as part of the £300 million Subway modernisation project.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The 118-year-old tunnels are being relined as part of SPT’s overall programme to modernise the Glasgow Subway, being funded by up to £246m of Scottish Government grant funding.

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“This contract award is welcome progress in the scheme, which will result in a more modern, comfortable and reliable underground railway system for the city.”

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