Sea-battered railway line to remain closed until at least Wednesday
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Railway disruption in the north Highlands is expected to continue until at least Wednesday after continuing spring high tides hampered repair efforts, Network Rail Scotland has warned.
The Far North Line between Brora and Helmsdale was closed yesterday afternoon after unusually high tides and prevailing winds drove damaging waves against sea defences.
It was the second time this winter season that stormy seas have damaged that section of the Far North Line, after similar conditions washed away parts of the sea defences near Lothbeg in late October.
On that occasion it took several days for services to be fully restored.
And, although conditions were calmer on Tuesday this week, flood alerts from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) remained in force on Moray Firth coastlines.
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Giving an update on repair efforts on Tuesday lunchtime, Network Rail Scotland confirmed that the line will not reopen until at least midday on Wednesday.
A spokesperson said: "The Far North Line will remain closed between Helmsdale and Brora until at least midday on Wednesday, due to the railway’s sea defences being damaged on Sunday and Monday.
"Repairs began at noon, but safe access for our team is limited by high tide.
"We’re assessing whether the sea has caused any further damage to the defences or the railway embankment overnight. We’ll share another update tonight on our progress.
"Thanks for your patience if you travel on the route, we appreciate the disruption this is causing."
The damage to the line's defences has prompted a mix of train cancellations, delays and partial replacement with bus replacement services.
For the latest updates on your journeys visit www.scotrail.co.uk or go to www.journeycheck.com/scotrail.
