Engineers complete eleven days of ‘around-the-clock’ work on train station project

A train entering the new double track section at the site of what will be Inverness Airport station
(Network Rail)

THE railway line between Inverness and Aberdeen has reopened following the successful completion of eleven days of work on the build of the Inverness Airport station.

Network Rail said engineers worked ‘around-the-clock’ to deliver ‘extensive’ work between Inverness and Nairn as part of a wider programme of enhancements being delivered alongside the build.

As well as work to ‘significantly’ progress the new station, engineers delivered a 950m passing loop – effectively double-tracking through the station, installed three sets of points and renewed nearly 7km of rail adjacent to the site using 2,900 sleepers and 10,000 tonnes of ballast.

A new modular signalling system was also introduced through the area which saw the installation of 10 new signals and the first-use of fibre cables for signalling. In total, more than 30km of signalling cable and 7km of power cable was run during the work.

The line closure also saw the completion of a new pedestrian access bridge which will enable the closure of the level crossing at Petty and the nearby pedestrian level crossing at Woodend. This will enhance both the safety of the railway

Billy McKay, Network Rail Scotland’s programme manager for the Inverness project, said, “We are delighted that the work during the blockade has been successfully completed and that the line has been reopened for passengers. The volume of work delivered on site over the eleven-day programme meant planning and coordination was key and I am delighted that the work was carried out safely and efficiently is credit to the skill and expertise of the contractors involved.

“Thank you to passengers for their patience during this work and hope that they begin to see and experience the benefits the investment in the railway is delivering.”