Far North Line £11.5m railway upgrade disruption begins this weekend, ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland warn passengers of the route between Inverness, Thurso and Wick
Rail passengers on the Far North Line are being reminded that no trains will travel north of Dingwall for three weeks from this Sunday.
Major £11.5 million works are set to begin on the line on Sunday, with nearly nine miles of track set to be replaced between Invergordon and Fearn in Easter Ross, and another five miles of track refurbished between Brora and Helmsdale in Sutherland.
The works, which will replace track components that in some places are approaching 100 years old, will result in the line being out of action from Sunday, June 8 until Monday, June 30.
Trains will continue to run as normal between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh throughout the works.
Meanwhile, bus replacement services will cover the Inverness-Wick journeys, stopping at key intermediate stations like Invergordon, Tain, Ardgay and Lairg - although no buses will call at either Altnabreac or Scotscalder owing to their remoteness.
A limited number of Far North Line train services will also operate between Inverness and Dingwall, calling at intermediate stations.
Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “The Far North Line plays a crucial role in connecting remote communities, as well as welcoming visitors to one of Scotland’s most scenic regions.
“While closing the line is never ideal, this concentrated period of work allows us to deliver the vital upgrades efficiently and avoid prolonged disruption over a longer timeframe.
“I’m grateful to passengers for their patience and understanding, and we look forward to reopening the line with improvements that will benefit everyone who travels on it.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “We understand that this work will mean some temporary disruption to journeys, however, it’s a vital investment in the long-term future of the route.
“To keep customers moving throughout the works, we’ll have a rail replacement plan in operation, with buses and a limited train service running where possible. We thank our customers for their patience, and look forward to welcoming them back on the line when the works complete.”
On Sunday, June 8, the 5.54pm Inverness to Wick service will be replaced by bus.
On Monday, June 30, the 6.18am and 8.02am Wick to Inverness services will also be replaced by bus. Other ScotRail services between Inverness and Wick are due to operate as normal that day.
Passengers are advised to plan ahead with travel information available at www.scotrail.co.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk.
