PART of the West Highland Railway Line is to close for nine days as Network Rail begins a £15 million upgrade on a key section of the route.
The line plays a vital role in connecting remote Highland communities and is also a popular tourist route – linking travellers with destinations such as Fort William, Mallaig, and the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. The route also includes Corrour Station, the highest mainline railway station in Britain.
The investment is part of Network Rail’s commitment to improving the long-term resilience and reliability of the route, helping ensure it continues to connect people and places across the Highlands for years to come.
Over the coming days, engineers will renew around 10 kilometres of track, replace more than 9,000 sleepers, and manage vegetation along the line. A railway bridge near Corrour is being renewed, five culverts are being strengthened to improve drainage, and the Feith footbridge is also being refurbished.
To allow the project to be delivered safely and efficiently, the line will be closed between Crianlarich and Fort William from the end of service tonight (November 7) until the start of service on November 17. Rannoch and Tulloch stations will also be used as temporary compounds to support the work.
Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said, “The West Highland Line runs through some of the most remote and exposed areas of the country, where conditions can be challenging throughout the year. This work is essential to ensure the route continues to operate safely and reliably for everyone who depends on it.
“When we close any part of the railway, we make sure that time is used as effectively as possible. This project has been carefully planned to deliver a wide range of improvements to help strengthen the infrastructure and protect it for the future.
“I want to thank passengers and local communities for their patience while this work is delivered. Once complete, the line will be in a stronger position to serve the Highlands for many years to come.”
