Network Rail has completed a £15 million programme of improvements on the West Highland Line, covering the stretch between Crianlarich and Fort William.

The investment is designed to bolster the line's long-term resilience and reliability, safeguarding a key connection for people and businesses across the Highlands for years to come.

During a planned nine-day closure, engineers delivered a package of essential works, including track renewals, drainage upgrades and the removal of hazardous vegetation to help shield the railway from heavy rainfall and extreme weather.

Among the main tasks were targeted track renewals, with approximately 10 kilometres of rail and more than 9,000 sleepers replaced. A railway bridge near Corrour was renewed, alongside extensive vegetation management.

-- Advertisement --

Five culverts were also renewed to enhance drainage and ensure structural stability, and the Feith footbridge was replaced.

Jeremy Spence, route delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: "The West Highland Line is a vital transport link for communities and businesses across the Highlands, as well as a world-renowned destination for tourists. These upgrades will help keep services running smoothly and reduce the risk of disruption on a route exposed to some of the harshest conditions on the rail network.

"Delivering this work was no small task. Our teams operated in remote, hard-to-reach locations and faced challenging terrain and unpredictable weather throughout the nine-day closure. Their commitment and expertise ensured the project was completed safely and on time.

"We'd also like to thank passengers and local communities for their patience and understanding while the work took place. This investment will make the line more resilient, helping us provide a more reliable railway for everyone who uses it."

The scheme forms part of a wider series of multi-million-pound enhancements to strengthen rail infrastructure across the Highlands. In June, Network Rail completed an £11.5 million upgrade on the Far North Line, while a £4.5 million project on the Kyle Line was finished earlier this month.

Both programmes involved renewing sections of track, some approaching a century old, to deliver smoother journeys, cut the risk of delays and extend the life of the assets.