Network Rail has announced that engineers will be carrying out essential upgrade works at a vital junction at the heart of Scotland's rail network.

Whifflet South junction, located between Coatbridge Freight Terminal, and Mossend/Eurocentral near Motherwell on the West Coast Mainline, will be upgraded for the first time since its installation over 50 years ago.

Work to renew the junction will see jointed rail, timber sleeper and worn-out ballast (supporting stone) replaced with strengthened track, concrete sleepers, and fresh stone.

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Decades of carrying heavy freight trains has taken its toll and the upgrade is designed to increase reliability and reduce the amount of maintenance required on the track and signalling equipment.

Eddie McLoone, Project Manager for Scotland's Railway said: "The £2.2 million investment in renewing Whifflet South junction is vital to keeping freight services flowing between Mossend and Coatbridge Freight Terminals and the rest of Scotland's Railway.

"We know this work will cause some disruption, but such a vital upgrade can't be delivered without closing the railway to allow our engineers access to the track.

"We would like to reassure freight customers and rail passengers that every effort has been made to reduce the impact of our activities as much as possible. Thank you for your understanding."