Network Rail Scotland has announced a programme of vital maintenance works on the Garve level crossing from Monday, 30 September.

Engineers will carry out a full corrosion inspection while replacing rails, sleepers and ballast on the crossing during two phases of work.

To allow safe access for engineers, the crossing at the A835 will fully close overnight on Monday 30 September and then again on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October.

During the full closures, access will be enabled for the emergency services however there will be no access over the crossing for all other traffic.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place overnight on 1, 2, 3, 21 and 22 October, as well as during daytime and evening hours on Saturday 19 October.

Full details of the closures and temporary traffic management arrangements are as follows:

Phase 1 –

• Full Road closure 9pm – 4am on Monday 30 September

• Half Road closure 9pm – 4am each night on October 1 / 2 / 3

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Phase 2 –

• Full Road closure 9pm – 6am each night on  October 19 & 20

• Half Road closure 4am – 9pm on Sunday October 19

• Half road closure 9pm – 4am each night on October 21 & 22

Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained via the station footbridge at all times.

David MacLean, Network Rail's level crossing manager for the Inverness area, said: "The work we're completing at Garve level crossing is essential to the safe and reliable running of the railway.

"The crossing equipment and surrounding track is regularly monitored as part of Network Rail's rolling maintenance and inspection programme to make sure it's safe and operating as designed.

"The route is important for traffic heading for the ferry to Stornoway, so we're encouraging everyone to plan ahead, particularly when the road is closed fully, as longer alternative routes will need to be taken on those dates.

"We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while we complete this project, which will reduce overall disruption for both passengers and road users for years to come."

It is part of Network Rail's ongoing commitment to maintain and renew over 20,000 miles of track and 6,000 level crossings across its portfolio.

Every level crossing has a programme of inspection to ensure that they are safe and operating as designed.

At Garve, engineers will remove the units which make up the ‘road surface' of the crossing to thoroughly inspect the full length of both lines, checking the rails for signs of corrosion and silt build-up while assessing the need for any future maintenance.

Conscious of the inconvenience the road closure will cause, Network Rail is working closely with BEAR Scotland and Highland Council to highlight the situation to road users and will work to keep the duration of the closure to an absolute minimum.