Travel disruption expected as Network Rail carries out £9m upgrades in the Highlands

Travellers face disruption after Network Rail announced a multi-million-pound programme of improvements at Inverness station and along the Kyle Line.

The railway operator has announced work will begin on £9m worth of upgrades, including new track, drainage and structural works.

The scenic railway between Kyle of Lochalsh and Dingwall, one of Scotland’s most remote lines, will be closed between November 28 and December 18 while the work is carried out.

So what upgrades are Network Rail doing in the Highlands?

At Inverness train station, new tracks will be laid at platforms 5 and 6 and equipment to allow for trains to easily change between 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.

Inverness train station will be upgraded. Network Rail Scotland

Drainage improvements will be carried out by replacing several culverts between Dingwall, Achnasheen and Stromeferry.

This will help mitigate the impact of adverse weather on the railway line, allowing services to continue running.

Structural repairs and track renewal work will take place at multiple railway bridges on the Kyle Line, including the historic Carron Viaduct.

It is likely that train services will be replaced with buses throughout the three-week closure.

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “The Kyle line is one of Scotland’s most scenic and important routes, connecting communities across the Highlands.

“This £9m investment will allow us to carry out a significant amount of work in a short period of time, helping us keep the railway safe, reliable and resilient for the future.

“We know that closing the line will cause disruption and we’re sorry for the inconvenience. By bringing together a wide range of upgrades and repairs during one closure, we can complete this work as efficiently as possible and reduce the need for future unplanned disruption.

“We’d like to thank passengers, communities and businesses along the route for their patience and understanding while we deliver these essential improvements.”