Pipeline work to close part of popular rail line

A POPULAR railway line is to be partially closed while repairs are carried out to a major oil pipeline.

The Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway will be shut for around six weeks while maintenance work takes place on the Forties Pipeline System.

The railway, operated by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS), will temporarily close part of its line from September 12, to allow BP to work on a section of the pipeline.

The pipeline is a crucial piece of infrastructure for North Sea oil and gas, transporting more than 40 per cent of UK oil production, and is regularly monitored.

Following a routine inspection, some maintenance work was identified on a short section of the pipeline buried beneath the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway.

The SRPS is looking at the possibility of running its steam and heritage diesel train services over a shortened route.

The Museum of Scottish Railways and Bo’ness Station and its visitor facilities will be open as usual.

SRPS chairman Vic Michel said: “Due to this necessary maintenance work on the pipeline, we have mutually agreed with BP to allow them to carry out this repair at a time when we have planned to operate our normal visitor experience.

“Visitors should, however, be aware that we are not closed completely and they are still welcome to come and enjoy the nostalgia of central Scotland’s favourite heritage railway and explore our museum. Our friendly volunteers will be on hand as always to welcome them.

“The SRPS and BP hope visitors will understand the need for this partial temporary closure of the line.”