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Monday 1 Nov 2004

£6 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR WEST HIGHLAND LINE

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A £6 million investment of railway engineering by Network Rail is about to get underway on the West Highland Line.  This major project which will involve closure of the line between 13 and 17 November will see a new bridge constructed at Ardlui and extensive refurbishment to three bridges;  Gairlochead Viaduct, Crianlarich Viaduct and Auchtertyre Viaduct.             This essential engineering work will cover 40 miles of the West Highland Line and involves replacing steel structures, new decking and waterproofing. Track will also be renewed on the bridges and includes rerailing, new ballast and replacing sleepers. Ron McAulay, Route Director, Scotland said:  “This extensive engineering work involves a major investment and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide a reliable and safe railway for all passengers, not just those in more highly populated areas.  “In order to minimise disruption, we have planned this work at a quieter time of year when there are fewer tourists and holidaymakers around and before the Christmas season.” As a result of the engineering work First ScotRail will be unable to operate services on the West Highland line between Saturday 13 November and Wednesday 17 November. This will affect services between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban, Fort William and Mallaig, as well as the Fort William Caledonian Sleeper service. A replacement bus service will operate between Glasgow Queen Street, Crianlarich, Dalmally, Tulloch and Fort William. A train service will operate between Dalmally and Oban and also between Corrour, Fort William and Mallaig. There will be no Caledonian Sleeper service to or from Fort William between these dates. A replacement bus service will connect into the Inverness Sleeper service at Aviemore or Kingussie. In general train and bus services will depart at advertised times but journeys may take longer than normal. Passengers are advised to check times before travelling at staffed stations, or by phoning the National Rail Enquiry Service on 08457 48 49 50. First ScotRail regrets that heavy luggage, cycles, wheelchairs and large prams cannot be carried on the replacement buses.  Wheelchair users needing help with their journey should contact  0845 605 7021 in advance for information. First ScotRail apologises for any inconvenience caused. It is essential that this work is carried out as it will have an impact on the tourist industry.  The Hogwarts Express steam train which is stored in Glasgow over the winter requires access to all four bridges at the start and end of the season. The work will involve improving approximately 600 metres of track, include over1,000 tonnes of materials and more than 260 employees, Network Rail has worked closely with the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and is undertaking sympathetic engineering practices to minimise impact on the environment and wildlife.