The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Latest work to speed up trains is on track
Next phase of Aberdeen-Inverness project under way
The next phase of a major project to cut journey times between the north-east and Highlands is under way. A total of £300 million has been invested in dualling the track between Aberdeen and Inverness, adding thousands more seats and increasing the number of services.
The line between Aberdeen and Dyce was twin-tracked over 14 weeks this summer.
Improvements have already been completed between Elgin and the north.
Now Network Rail and Bam Nuttall have started work on the next leg of the project, dualling the line between Dyce and Inverurie.
Groundworks have started on the first major element of the project, an upgrade of the Don viaduct at Port Elphinstone.
The Victorian-era structure needs strengthening if it is to accommodate the weight of more trains.
This work will begin in January with the overall project expected to be completed by June.
In much the same way as this summer’s construction project, contractors will work overnight as well as during the day.
Billy McKay, Network Rail’s senior programme manager, said it was a huge challenge to carry out a project of this scale.
He said: “It’s a live project, the management of something this size is a huge undertaking.
“We made a commitment to deliver a safe and reliable project and we have had to keep in mind our land-side neighbours and keep them informed throughout the work.
“It’s all about improving the reliability of the service. Passengers want trains that are more frequent, are on time and are clean, and that’s what this will deliver.
“If we do what we set out to do in this short time it will be a remarkable achievement.”
The final phase of the work, which will dual the rest of the route between Aberdeen and Inverness, is scheduled to last from next May to August.
The new timetable, with increased services, will go live in December next year.
“Passengers want trains to run on time”