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Monday 31 Oct 2005

RIGHT ON TRACK: £2.5M BOOST FOR SCOTS RAILWAY

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A team of rail workers will travel to the north of Scotland this week to carry out £2.5 million improvements to the railway. Network Rail is sending more than 150 workers to County March and Altnabreac, near Forsinard, for eight days to renew the track and help bring more reliable – and comfortable – train journeys to passengers. David Simpson, Network Rail Route Director, said: “Passengers will feel real improvements in their train journeys once we’ve replaced the existing jointed track with the continuously-welded kind. Train rides will feel much smoother and quieter and the new track will improve reliability. “Carrying out such major works in just over a week is a challenge, but we’ve got an experienced and committed team on hand. The workforce is so large, we’re told we’ve booked nearly every board and lodging within the local area.” The work includes completely renewing the track and ballast, and replacing the ageing timber sleepers with more environmentally-friendly steel ones. Network Rail is working closely with the train operating companies, who are providing alternative transport while work is carried out between Saturday 5 November and Sunday 13 November. First ScotRail Inverness / Wick and Thurso services will be retimed to start from and terminate at Helmsdale. A replacement minibus service will operate between Scotscalder and Helmsdale calling at Thurso, Forsinard, Kinbrace and Kildonan. A replacement bus service will also operate between Wick / Thurso and Helmsdale. Please note that Altnabraec Station will be closed. Passengers should also be aware that the 12.59 bus from Thurso to Helmsdale will start from Scrabster for ferry connection.