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Friday 15 Aug 2025

Essential rail bridge work planned on A95 road in Keith

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Engineers will soon begin an 18-week project to renew the Banff Turnpike railway bridge on the A95 in Keith. 

The work, which will take place from 23 August to 20 December 2025, is part of Network Rail’s wider investment in Scotland’s Railway to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the network for both passengers and freight.  

The bridge carries traffic over the Aberdeen to Keith line and will undergo a full rebuild. This includes the installation of a new reinforced concrete deck, masonry repairs, and the addition of high containment parapets and vehicle restraint barriers. These upgrades are designed to improve safety and extend its operational life for decades to come. 

To deliver the upgrade safely, a full road closure is necessary on the A95 for the duration of the work, with two weekend railway closures also planned between 26-29 September and 3-6 October. On both weekends, buses will replace trains between Huntly and Elgin. 

Allison Flanagan, project manager at Network Rail, said: “This is a critical investment in the future of our railway infrastructure. The Banff Turnpike bridge plays a vital role in connecting communities across the north-east. By carrying out this renewal now, we’re ensuring that the structure remains safe, resilient, and fit for purpose for many years to come. 

“We understand this will cause some disruption and are grateful to the local community and passengers for their patience and support while we deliver these improvements. We’ll continue to keep everyone informed throughout the project and encourage people to plan ahead for their journeys during this period.” 

A signposted diversion route will be in place throughout the road closure period to help keep traffic moving.  

Passengers travelling by train are also advised to plan ahead with information available at www.scotrail.co.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk.