Helensburgh rail commuters face 20 weeks of disruption

More details have been revealed about major changes to train services for commuters from the Helensburgh area.

Both West Highland Line services and trains from Helensburgh Central will see significant timetable changes for 20 weeks, starting on March 20, because of the closure of the tunnel that leads to Glasgow Queen Street High Level station.

During the closure, customers who use Helensburgh Upper station to travel on the West Highland Line to Glasgow Queen Street will be diverted to the Low Level station, with journeys taking around 25 minutes longer.

Those who normally travel on Helensburgh Central to Edinburgh trains should check their journeys before setting off as departure/arrival times will be different.

On weekdays, trains will leave Helensburgh Central at 06.26, 06.56, 07.26, 07.56 and 08.26 – the limited stop express service will be suspended.; return trains from Queen Street will also leave at different times

This is to allow room for the trains that will be diverted to the Low Level.

The £60m project will renew nearly 2km of ageing track through Queen Street tunnel and enable faster, longer, trains to operate on Scotland’s rail network from autumn 2017.

A ScotRail Alliance spokeswoman said: “This will mean more seats, shorter journey times and less impact on our environment. The long-term benefits will be considerable, not just for our railway, but also for the country.

“Customers should check their train times in advance using the ScotRail app or the ‘buy tickets’ section on our website.

“By diverting trains into Glasgow Queen Street Low Level, we’re ensuring our customers using the West Highland Line will still have a direct link to the city.”

A dedicated webpage carries more information and maps, to enable customers to check their own travel plans in advance.

Customers can check their own journey online now, with full timetables available to download from February 20 – remember to ensure that the journey date is March 20 or later.