NETWORK Rail engineers are to begin a £9 million project at Inverness Railway Station and along the Kyle line.
The route, which links communities across the Highlands and attracts thousands of visitors each year, will close for three weeks – from November 28 to December 19 – to allow major work to be completed.
During the three-week closure, a range of renewals, repairs and other maintenance activities will take place. At Inverness station, engineers will renew track and sleepers at platforms 5 and 6 and refurbish equipment that allows trains to move between different tracks.
Around 7km of track will be renewed at several locations – including between Welsh’s Bridge and Rose Street level crossing in Inverness, Achanalt and Rosebank near Achnasheen, and between Strathcarron and Stromeferry, providing a smoother and more dependable railway for passengers.
Drainage improvements will be carried out through the renewal of several culverts between Dingwall, Achnasheen, and Stromeferry, helping to reduce the impact of adverse weather on the railway.
Structural repairs and track renewal work will take place at multiple railway bridges, including Carron Viaduct, helping to maintain a safe and reliable railway for years to come.
Gary Hopkirk, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said, “The Kyle line is an important connection for communities and the many visitors who use it each year, so we know there is never an ideal time to close it.
“This three-week closure gives us the opportunity to complete a significant amount of work in one go, helping to keep the railway safe and reliable for years to come.
“We’re asking passengers to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling, and we thank everyone for their patience while we complete these improvements.”
