BAM has marked completion of Inverness Airport Station – the 15th new railway station the firm has delivered in Scotland in 15 years.
Representatives from the business joined Scotland transport minister Jenny Gilruth, Scotland’s Railway MD Alex Hynes, and local children to mark the opening of the new station, which will see passenger services start on Friday 3 February.
The station is part of a wider £42 million Scottish Government investment in Scotland’s Railway which has seen the addition of a new 950 metre passing loop which will allow trains on the single line to pass in the opposite direction, renewal of seven kilometre of track, and installation of a signalling system.
The work provides another route to the airport and, following work by Hitrans, includes an upgraded active travel path linking with the airport terminal.
The station improves transport links to the new town of Tornagrain and Inverness Airport Business Park.
Nissar Mohammed, operations director for BAM, said, “BAM is extremely proud to be associated with another new station opening – our 15th in 15 years on Scotland’s Railway. That is a huge accolade for us and a demonstration of the success of a long term investment strategy by the Scottish Government and Network Rail.
“Inverness Airport station provides a fast, comfortable and sustainable new transport link between Inverness airport and communities across the Highlands. The project has also delivered new freight links to local industry and a park and ride facility that will reduce congestion on roads into Inverness.
“I’d like to thank BAM’s team who have worked incredibly hard, in collaboration with Network Rail and our supply chain partners, to complete this station over the last year in challenging circumstances. We’re incredibly proud to be part of it.”
Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said, “The site was one of my earliest visits as transport minister and gives me a first-hand opportunity to see the significant progress that has been made in a short space of time. The £42 million package provided by the Scottish Government, including the station and wider rail network infrastructure investment will build resilience and additional capacity. By making rail a more attractive option, we can encourage more people to choose this sustainable transport option as an alternative to the car.”
Alex Hynes, MD of Scotland’s Railway, added, “The opening of the station at Inverness Airport is an exciting development that has the potential to transform the area by improving transport connectivity and triggering further investment and economic growth around the site. We look forward to services calling at, and passengers using, Inverness Airport and to seeing the positive impact the station will have in the area in years to come.”
BAM’s 15 new Scottish stations in 15 years are as follows:
Inverness Airport
Airdrie
Alloa
Bathgate
Elgin
Eskbank
Forres
Galashiels
Gorebridge
Kintore
Newtongrange
Reston
Shawfair
Stow
Tweedbank
