 The rail link will cross St James' playing fields in Paisley |
Work on a �160m rail link to Scotland's largest airport will start next month, it has been announced. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport said the Glasgow Airport Rail Link was at a crucial stage.
Officials said the installation of overhead electricity lines would start in July on certain parts of the track.
The work will take place between Shields Junction, near Kinning Park in Glasgow, and Arkleston Junction on the outskirts of Paisley.
Officials said the work would take place within existing railway property.
The Glasgow Airport Rail Link (Garl) was given the go-ahead by MSPs in November 2006 and received Royal Assent in January 2007.
 |  This work is necessary if we are all to enjoy the long-term benefits that Garl will bring, namely giving the people of Glasgow and the west of Scotland a safe and reliable rail link to Glasgow Airport |
SPT chair Alistair Watson said: "Since that time, SPT has been finalising the detailed design of the scheme.
"Now, we are delighted that preparatory work is ready to begin on the scheme.
"This work is necessary if we are all to enjoy the long-term benefits that Garl will bring, namely giving the people of Glasgow and the west of Scotland a safe and reliable rail link to Glasgow Airport."
The work involves excavating and pouring of foundations followed by the erection of steelwork at various locations along the line.
New track
From Friday, residents living near the existing railway line will receive advanced notification of the works to be carried out.
The rail link will upgrade 5.4 miles of existing track between Shields Junction and Paisley Gilmour Street station and lay 1.2 miles of new track between Paisley St James station and Glasgow Airport.
A new platform will also be built in Glasgow Central station and new track laid at the Elderslie sidings.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
