Hoops fans who head to Celtic Park by train are going to be left frustrated for the most vital months of the season.
The four-mile rail section between the Exhibition Centre and Rutherglen station is to be closed for repairs between the 13th of March and the 8th of May [Scotsman]. This includes Dalmarnock Station, which is typically a much-used stop on the way to Paradise for Celtic fans.
So far, that means games at Celtic Park against Ross County and St Mirren will be affected [Celtic FC], with more fixtures to be announced when the Scottish Premiership split occurs.
It’s going to mean restricted travel access to a lot of Celtic supporters, who use that particular length of track on match days. Especially at a time when the title run-in ought to occur.
According to the Scotsman, Anderston, Glasgow Central Low Level, Argyle Street and Bridgeton will be affected alongside Dalmarnock. It’s largely due to a replacement of concrete “slab track”, which is used in tunnels.
According to Network Rail’s Michael McArthur [Scotsman]:
“The investment we’re making in upgrading the line is part of our commitment to running a safe, punctual and modern railway.
“When complete, our improvement works on the route will mean services are less likely to experience disruption and delays, making rail travel even more reliable for passengers.
“We’d like to thank all passengers for their patience and understanding while we carry out this vital work.”
Headache for Celtic fans who’ll be forced to use other means of transport
Obviously, this is probably a very necessary thing to happen for the long-term safety of the track, and upgrading performance. But it isn’t half annoying.
The timing couldn’t be less ideal. And anyone who gets to enough matches will tell you that getting a seat on the bus pre-match can be a nightmare. Driving there brings headaches of its own.
With Celtic in what looks like it’ll be an intense title race this season, fans who take the train to Dalmarnock will have to seek other arrangements.
That’s likely to make traffic going to and from Celtic Park even worse. It’s not exactly brilliant at the best of times.
Given the income generated for Scotrail by football traffic, it’s unlikely a decision that would’ve been made lightly. But it is one that will inconvenience Celtic supporters in a significant way for a number of weeks.
Hopefully, the football will be so good that folk won’t mind too much about transport woes to and from Celtic Park.
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