Network Rail has announced the successful completion of a project to clear vegetation near Dalgety Bay station, which has helped improve performance on Scotland's Railway.

The station previously had a poor record for autumn performance, with leaves on the line causing hours' worth of service delays throughout the season.

Analysis has shown that in autumn 2021/22 - the one before work began - the area had 8943 minutes' worth of delays. However, in 2022/2023, after the work had been completed, delays reduced by almost half (46%).

Leaves on the line can break down into a slippery surface that can cause train wheels to lose grip – making it harder for them to stop quickly. This can cause trains to overshoot signals or platforms and affect signalling systems – making it harder to track where trains are on the network.

-- Advertisement --

Addressing this issue makes the railway more resilient and means timetables are more reliable for passengers.

Kirsty Armstrong, scheme project manager for tree and vegetation management work, said: "We manage thousands of miles of trees and vegetation along the railway to try to make sure that everything that grows near the lineside is safe and doesn't cause delays to trains.

"While it is only one year's data, early signs are that the project has been a huge success and that passengers are benefiting from autumn delays being cut by more than half."

The project saw native trees and shrubs appropriate to the lineside environment planted in compensation. These will be maintained for five years to manage the regrowth of woodland, improve biodiversity and to offset the impact of the work on the local area.