Plans to re-establish the old Waverley Rail Line that opened between Edinburgh and Carlisle in the mid-nineteenth century and closed in January 1969 were re-affirmed today by Scottish transport minister Stewart Stevenson.
The re-establishment of the 35 mile passenger rail link from Edinburgh Waverley as far as Tweedsmuir (South of Galashiels) in the Scottish borders was unanimously approved by the Scottish parliament on 14 June 2006, but the project was under review by the new SNP government.
Following a due diligence exercise, the Edinburgh-Borders rail link is expected to cost between £235-£295 million rather than the previously projected £174.45m and the line is not expected to be completed until 2013, two years later than originally projected.
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:
"There are many benefits to this project and at its heart is the need to build a dynamic and growing economy that provides prosperity and opportunities for all. The project will also provide for a full range of housing options to the Borders and surrounding regions."
"The railway will also provide a sustainable, integrated and cost effective public transport alternative to the car, connecting people, places and businesses across the Scottish Borders, Midlothian and into Edinburgh. It is estimated that 450,000 tonnes of carbon will be saved over a 60 year period by constructing this railway."
Funding
The rising costs of the Waverley Rail Project had cast doubts on its viability, but the minister said today that funding requirements would be met using a "non-profit distributing vehicle" approach.
"The details of our final approach will be developed by Transport Scotland in conjunction with the Financial Partnerships Unit and Partnerships UK, having taken full account of market soundings and the need for a competitive procurement process."
Since the project was enacted in July 2006 the Waverley Rail Partnership have started ground investigation works, topographical surveys and land acquisition. Work on the outline design also commenced in October 2007.