Altnabreac
Established Member
Seems a long time that the East Linton/Reston openings have been talked about. Similar with Kintore, Dalcross & Winchburgh. Winchburgh should be ready to open on time for the December timetable change/electrification but no, still no sound of anything.
Winchburgh as I’ve mentioned before is tied up with a larger package of investment than just the station.
There was agreement to developer fund the station but it needed the schools to be funded before it could go ahead.
There is now a £58m investment in 3 new schools that has been agreed. This needed final parliamentary approval at Holyrood, which it received in September 2018.
https://www.scottishconstructionnow...-to-deliver-three-new-schools-in-west-lothian
Then there is a wider infrastructure investment in Roads, Motorway junction, station etc. Although the station was already agreed, other elements were not and the Council will not go ahead and fund the schools until the full funding package for infrastructure is agreed between the developer and Scottish Govenrment. This is under negotiation at present and is the final agreeemnt needed before work on the station can commence.
My guess is that May or December 2021 is the most likely opening date for Winchburgh station. Again my understanding is that the Stirling - Edinburgh 2tph fast will provide the services and the new timetable already makes allowance for this.
December 2020 may just be possible but I think it will be too tight as no contracts are signed yet, compared to Kintore where a December 2020 opening has seen work commencing in the last few months.