Network Rail announces section of Inverness-Aberdeen line set to close for eleven days for works
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A SECTION of the line between Inverness and Nairn is set to close for 11 days in October to allow for works on the Inverness Airport rail line scheme.
Network Rail has confirmed that engineers will be carrying out extensive work on the line as part of the wider programme of enhancements being delivered around the new station development.
From midnight on Friday, October 14 until 5am on Wednesday, October 26, works will be continuous to substantially complete the new Airport station, to instal the passing loop through the station and to enhance sections of track within the area.
ScotRail services between Inverness and Elgin, and between Inverness and Aberdeen, will be disrupted for the duration the works with buses replacing trains between Elgin and Inverness – calling at Forres and Nairn.
Services between Aberdeen and Inverness will see buses replace trains between Inverness and Nairn.
Kris Kinnear, Network Rail Scotland’s capital delivery director, said: “The work we are undertaking in mid-October will see the removal of the Level crossing at Petty and significant work to progress the new station at the Airport.
“We know that closing the railway at any time is never ideal, however we always endeavour to plan our work for when fewer people are travelling on the railway and at a time which reduces overall inconvenience for the travelling public.
“We understand that this is not great news for those making plans to travel during the holiday to visit family or friends or for leisure purposes, unfortunately on this occasion the work planned cannot be delivered without closing the railway.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to people planning to use this route and we would urge them to plan ahead and check their journey in advance.”
An early morning bus to depart from Elgin to Aberdeen at 4.13am, calling all stations, will provide an early arrival at Aberdeen.
In the evenings, the 10pm Aberdeen to Inverness train will terminate at Inverurie, with bus connections in place for travel between Inverurie and Inverness.
This work cannot be undertaken while the railway is open and given the length of time required to complete specific elements, the activity has been scheduled for this time to minimise the disruption to the travelling public.
The line closure will see the opening of a new pedestrian access bridge which will enable the closure of the Level crossing at Petty.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “We know lengthy line closures can be a real inconvenience for customers, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving during the work.
“I would encourage customers to plan ahead using the ScotRail app or website and remember that journey times will be longer than normal where replacement buses are in use.
“I’d also like to thank our customers for their patience in bearing with us while this important rail link for the area is delivered.”
The train operator is urging anyone plans to travel between the two northern cities to plan their journey in advance and check how their journey may be affected on the ScotRail app or by visiting www.scotrail.co.uk.
For further information on the Inverness Airport station development visit www.scotlandsrailway.com/projects or email InvernessAirportStation@networkrail.co.uk
