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Wednesday 8 Jul 2026

£1.3m boost to Dunblane railway as viaduct upgrades get under way

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail Scotland has begun a £1.3 million project to upgrade a key railway bridge in Dunblane, helping to keep services running safely and reliably for years to come.

Engineers began a 27-week programme of work on Barbush Viaduct over Allan Water from 6 July.

The upgrade will strengthen the structure and protect it from future wear and tear, reducing the need for more disruptive repairs later.

Work will include vital steel repairs, repainting to protect against corrosion, and improvements to the viaduct’s foundations.

To carry out the project safely, teams will use pontoons on the river alongside a small working area next to the viaduct, with materials brought in by rail to minimise disruption locally.

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “This investment in Barbush Viaduct will help keep trains running safely through Dunblane for many years to come.

“These essential works will make the structure stronger and more resilient, while reducing the need for major repairs in future.”

Network Rail is working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to protect the river environment throughout the project, with strict measures in place to prevent debris or materials getting into the water.

Once complete, the refurbished viaduct will be more durable and better protected against deterioration, supporting a dependable railway for passengers and freight.

Residents and stakeholders will be kept updated as the project progresses.