Disruption for rail users

Upgrade to Highland line

Rail passengers are set for weeks of disruption as the Highland Mainline improvements get underway.

Network Rail’s multimillion pound programme to enhance the Highland Mainline began on Sunday, October 28.

The works mean the line between Perth and Inverness will be closed for a number of days over the next month to make way for the planned improvements.

Some of the improvement works include extending both platforms at Pitlochry Railway Station and carrying out signalling upgrades.

Elsewhere in Perthshire, sections of the track will be renewed near Perth, and rock stabilisation works will be carried out near Dunkeld and Blair Atholl stations as well.

The line will be closed off on Sunday, November 4, Sunday, November 11, and Sunday, November 18.

It will also be shut from Saturday, November 24, until Monday, November 26.

Network Rail says this is to make sure the works are carried out safely.

This will also restrict car parking at Pitlochry Railway Station.

Donald Stevenson, Network Rail’s senior programme manager for the Highland Mainline improvement project, said: “Combining the delivering of our upgrade, maintenance and renewal projects will reduce the impact of these important activities on customers and lineside communities.

“The completion of this phase of the Highland Mainline improvement project, combined with the arrival of new train fleet, will improve connectivity, travel choices and journey times on the line.

“The work to upgrade the Highland Mainline is part of the Scottish Government’s ongoing investment in Scotland’s railway and is another step towards building the best railway Scotland has ever had.”

It is hoped once the works are completed in March 2019, there will be an hourly service on the Perth to Inverness line with average journey times being reduced by around 10 minutes.

This also means Network Rail may be able to improve the time of the first and last trains between the Central Belt and the Highlands.

Other stations directly affected by these works include Aviemore and Carrbridge.

Network Rail has asked passengers to check ahead with themselves or with their individual train operator before travelling on this line.