A significant construction project has commenced on the West Highland Line as Network Rail begins a £15 million investment focused on improving the long-term reliability and resilience of the route.
The line plays a vital role for remote Highland communities and is a world-famous tourist link to destinations like Mallaig and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
To enable the project to be delivered safely and efficiently, the line will be closed between Crianlarich and Fort William from the end of service tonight (Friday, 7 November) until the start of service on Monday, 17 November 2025.
Over the nine-day period, engineers will carry out extensive work, including:
Track Renewal: Replacing approximately 10 kilometres of track.
Sleeper Replacement: Renewing more than 9,000 sleepers.
Structural Work: Renewing a railway bridge near Corrour and strengthening five culverts to improve drainage.
Refurbishment: Refurbishing the Feith footbridge and managing vegetation along the line.
Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, stated: "This work is essential to ensure the route continues to operate safely and reliably for everyone who depends on it.
"This project has been carefully planned to deliver a wide range of improvements to help strengthen the infrastructure and protect it for the future."
During the closure, rail replacement buses will run between Crianlarich and Fort William. Services between Glasgow Queen Street and Crianlarich, as well as between Fort William and Mallaig, remain unaffected, as do services between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban.
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