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Wednesday 20 Nov 2024

Glenfinnan rail line to benefit from £500,000 fencing investment

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail is set to renew over five kilometres of lineside fencing near the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct in a project worth £500,000

The work, which will begin later this month, will see life-expired boundary fencing – which separates the track from public areas – replaced to help keep the public safely separated from the line.

Located on the Mallaig branch of the West Highland Line, the viaduct is a hugely popular tourist attraction which can cause issues with trespass from those seeking to take photographs of the scenery and passing trains.

The fencing that will be installed will not only secure the railway but will also be sympathetic to the scenic nature of the local area.

Tree and vegetation management around the existing boundary fence will be needed ahead of the renewal and this will also improve the public’s view of the viaduct.

Train services will not be affected by the fencing project.

In addition to the new fencing, Network Rail is also currently completing a £3.5m project to refurbish the viaduct itself carrying our repairs to the concrete structure and improving the track bed and drainage.

Hayley Simpson, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: “The investment we are making in renewing the fencing in Glenfinnan will help secure the railway and keep the public safe as they enjoy the world-famous views of the viaduct and surrounding scenery.

“The work will be delivered without disrupting tarin services and the fencing we will install will be sympathetic to the natural landscape through which the line runs and not affect people’s enjoyment of the many walking trails and the spectacular views.”