Network Rail has announced a nine-day programme of essential upgrade works on Rannoch Viaduct from 16 March.

The allow the works to progress, a section of the West Highland Line between Crianlarich and Fort William/Mallaig will be closed throughout.

The £1.6million investment at Rannoch Viaduct will see 50 longitudinal timbers (way beams), which run the length of the 208m structure and support the rail going over the steel bridge, replaced.

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Those softwood timbers are life-expired and will be replaced with hardwood alternatives, with the existing baseplates and rail also being renewed.

In addition to the work on the viaduct, Network Rail will improve multiple sections of track between Tyndrum and Roy Bridge, and between Spean Bridge and Arisaig.

Signalling upgrades will also take place between Fort William and Spean Bridge.

Zoe Monkhouse, Network Rail's project manager for the Rannoch Viaduct project, said: "The work we're undertaking is essential to keeping the railway safe and reliable for years to come.

"While there's never an ideal time to close the railway, these works can only be delivered while there's no trains running.

"We appreciate the patience of passengers and our lineside neighbours and thank them for their understanding."