Transport Scotland and Network Rail marked the start of advance works on the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link on 21 June 2008 with a ceremonial sod cutting event at Livingston North Station.

Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change and Ron McAulay, Network Rail's Director, Scotland marked the start of work on-site with the removal of the first shovel of soil. The building work will ultimately result in a brand new £300 million railway between Airdrie and Bathgate and a vital new route linking Edinburgh and Glasgow to communities in central Scotland.

The first phase of works will include earth moving to allow for double tracking of the existing route between Bathgate and Edinburgh and upgrading of Livingston North and Uphall stations. It is anticipated that all work be complete and services will be running on the new railway in 2010. The new line will bring passenger benefits including an increased number of services; faster journey times; improved reliability of existing services; better access to employment, education and social opportunities and a reduction in passenger congestion.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "I am delighted this work is underway. The project will open an important door of opportunity for the communities and economy in the Central Scotland corridor. The Airdrie-Bathgate link will open up employment and education opportunities for people living west of Edinburgh and east of Glasgow and, importantly, will provide a public transport alternative to the congested M8/A8 route."

Ron McAulay, Director Scotland, Network Rail said: "We're pleased to start the building stage of this project with continued cross party backing and the full support of the new Scottish Executive. With funding from Transport Scotland and delivery by Network Rail, this line will bring enormous economic and social benefits to Scotland and transform access to public transport. Our initial work, beginning this month, starts double-tracking the line between Edinburgh and Bathgate and preparing for big improvements at Livingston North station and Uphall Station. This is an exciting time for everyone involved and we look forward to delivering this new railway."