Overhead power cables on the line between Edinburgh and Glasgow, via Falkirk High, will go live for testing this weekend.
From September 2, the line will enter a testing and safety validating process ahead of the introduction of new electric trains later this year.
The electrification of 46 miles of railway between Edinburgh and Glasgow is an important milestone in the delivery of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme, delivering a 20 per cent reduction in journey times and 30 per cent more capacity
Like this story? Click here to make a free subscription to one of our publications
With the cables carrying 25,000 volts of electricity, Network Rail is launching a campaign to highlight the dangers of an electrified railway, working with British Transport Police, Scottish Football Association and local council education departments across six local authority areas.
Kevin McClelland, route delivery director for infrastructure projects, said, ‘Energisation is an important phase of work to test and validate the new equipment and ensure it is operating as it should.
‘As well as ‘live testing’ the equipment, the energisation phase of work is critical to ensuring the safe introduction of the electric trains that will operate on the route from later in the year.’
Read more: London Paddington retail on the rise
