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Why do we need Crossrail Glasgow?
Crossrail Glasgow is the missing piece in Scotland's rail jigsaw. The scheme will allow many rail journeys to travel directly over the Clyde eliminating the need to change trains in Glasgow city centre. It will provide benefits not only to those using the Strathclyde suburban rail network, but also to passengers from across Scotland who will benefit from better rail connections and improved journey times to many destinations.
The railway in the west of Scotland is reaching capacity. This means that very few additional trains can run on the network even though there is growing demand for rail travel. Crossrail Glasgow can help provide a solution by allowing new routes for additional trains to run on and allow car users to switch to rail. The bonus of the SPT scheme is that it is relatively simple, modest in cost, and can be constructed quickly.
See more about the benefits of the project.
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Does it connect Queen Street and Central Stations?
Crossrail Glasgow will not directly link Glasgow's Queen Street and Central stations. It links the routes which run to and from these stations, providing a new line across the Clyde. Passengers wishing to access the city centre can use a new hub station which will be created at Glasgow Cross.
There will also be new stations at West Street and the Gorbals. High Street station will also be moved and completely rebuilt.
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What new routes will Crossrail create?
It's too early to say exactly which destinations trains will run to and from. However, Crossrail Glasgow will close the "missing link" in Scotland's National Rail network. It will therefore allow services to potentially travel direct from South Glasgow and Southern Scotland to Edinburgh, Central Scotland and the North, and vice-versa.
The scheme should also make it easier to travel from many more places directly to Glasgow International and Prestwick International airports.
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Wouldn’t a tunnel joining the 2 Glasgow stations be better?
At first glance, a tunnel connecting Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations seems like a really good idea. In fact, a few years ago SPT decided to investigate the possibility of creating such a link. However, transport experts quickly concluded that a tunnel would cost anywhere between £2 billion and £4 billion - a completely unacceptable price. Construction of a tunnel would also create unimaginable disruption to Glasgow city centre.
The Crossrail Glasgow proposals from SPT are backed by independent research which shows that the scheme is technically possible, relatively simple to construct, modest in cost and could be built as soon as 2012.
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How does Crossrail benefit the rest of Scotland?
Crossrail Glasgow will provide more services for commuters in the west of Scotland, but the biggest benefits will be for passengers travelling from the rest of Scotland. For the first time trains will be able travel directly across the River Clyde from places like Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth and Edinburgh to Glasgow International Airport, Prestwick International Airport, Inverclyde, Kilmarnock and the Ayrshire seaboard.
Many journeys will be possible without the need travel on foot or by bus across Glasgow city centre to make train connections. The result will be faster journey times and more reliable services.
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How much will it cost?
The latest estimate shows that Crossrail Glasgow will cost around £130 million. Full and detailed costings will continue to be made as the project progresses.
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Will Crossrail create jobs?
Yes. When deciding where to base their operations, businesses look for cities which have good transport links to get their workers and products in and out quickly and easily. Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has given their backing to Crossrail Glasgow because the link will improve access to the city, improve journey times and cut road congestion. These factors make doing business in Glasgow much more attractive.
Crossrail will also widen the area people will commute to as it will potentially cut journey times. This will make it easier for people to commute within central Scotland.
Crossrail will also create new jobs directly during construction, as well as long term railway jobs for train and railway station staff that will be needed along the route.
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When will Crossrail start operating?
The new trains could be running as soon as 2012. This will give a big boost to Glasgow's bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. This is because the city will be better placed to cope with the thousands of sports fans expected to come and see the Games.
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What’s holding up the work to start construction?
The Crossrail proposals have been drawn up by SPT and are supported by politicians, business leaders, environmental campaigners and rail users from across Scotland. However, the construction of the line can't begin until the Scottish Executive approves the scheme and provides funding for it. You can help us persuade them to do this quickly by signing up as a supporter.
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How much disruption will there be during construction?
As with any major construction project a certain amount of disruption is inevitable. Work will involve building three new stations at Glasgow Cross, the Gorbals and West Street and rebuilding High Street station. 2km new track will also be laid to connect the rail lines in the north and south of the city. Prior to works starting a Code of Construction Practice will be drawn up and the local community and businesses will be consulted on this.
Crossrail Glasgow will also use some parts of the rail network which are already in place and currently being used as freight lines. This project will also be much less disruptive than many other options, such as building a tunnel.
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