Published: Tuesday, 26th January, 2010 1:36pm

Transport Minister 'greatly encouraged' by response to Borders rail link

THE Borders rail link is gathering steam with over 50 businesses from across Europe expressing an interest in delivering the new service.

Stewart Stevenson, the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, last week welcomed 58 businesses to a marketing event designed to provide information about what contractors could expect from the project.

Transport Scotland's project team were on hand to answer any questions bidders had about the technical and financial aspects of the project, ahead of the tendering process which is expected to last into 2011.

The winning contractor will be responsible for the design, finance, build and maintenance of the service, which is expected to cost somewhere between £235-295 million.

Following the event Mr Stevenson said: "With such a wide range of organisations attending this event, I am greatly encouraged by the response from the market.

"My officials at Transport Scotland look forward to continuing this dialogue with the industry towards identifying the right organisation to deliver a rail link for the people of the Borders and Midlothian for the first time in over 40 years.

"This process marks a significant step forward in delivering a fast, efficient rail link connecting communities and acting as a catalyst for economic growth right across southern Scotland.

The winning contractor will be announced in 2011 when work on the link between the capital and Tweedbank will begin, with the completion date scheduled for 2014.

It is predicted that the new line will create up to 400 new jobs during the construction phase and cut accidents on the A7 and A68 roads by around ten a year.

Scottish Borders Council Leader David Parker said: "I am delighted at the turnout from businesses at this event. This is a very positive step towards delivery of the project and it confirms that market interest is high. This can only be good news for the Borders."

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Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Hazelkaye
Unregistered User
Jan 27 10 09:47
Comment: 8167

Should NEVER have been closed in 1969!

I hope Mr Stevenson doesn't get too excited as he's still got £ohn Swinney holding the purse strings!!!
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Geoff Ruderham
Unregistered User
Jan 30 10 00:24
Comment: 8278

Stewart Stevenson said he sees no reason the line can't go to Carlisle!!

I can see no reason the line can't go to the moon.

It's just words action is whats needed, a feasabilty study or some surveying work on the Hawick extention would be a good start to full restoration.

While we're at it the Kelso branch double tracked as it used to be would make a brilliant relief from the ECML next time it closes usually around Easter.

If John Swindle brought this kind of investment to the Borders, hell I might even vote for them.

Now there's thought "paid" by results.

Get it built!!
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Ninian Reid
Unregistered User
Feb 3 10 14:29
Comment: 8376

My never-ending wish is for Madge and Bob Elliot to live long enough to hear the sounds of trains passing through their beloved Hawick...a tall order I know. But by no means an impossible dream.
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