Tuesday 23 Sep 2008
ROCK CUTTING WORK BEGINS ON HIGHLAND RAIL LINES
- Region & Route:
- Scotland’s Railway: Scotland
Network Rail is to carry out line renewals, rock cutting and stabilisation work in the Highlands during autumn requiring the temporary suspension of services on three branch lines.
The work will be undertaken on the Strathcarron to Kyle of Lochalsh line from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 12 October, between Fort William and Mallaig from Saturday 18 October to Sunday 2 November and between Helmsdale and Wick/Thurso from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November.
All journeys will be replaced by bus services with the following exceptions:
- Strathcarron to Kyle of Lochalsh, 4 and 5 October: Due to road works carried out by Highlands Council on the A890 between Auchtertyre and Achnasheen, bus replacement services will be diverted via an alternative route.
- Helmsdale to Wick/Thurso: Bus replacement services will not call at Altnabreac, with the station remaining closed.
David Simpson, route director for Network Rail Scotland commented:
“The rock cutting and stabilisation work being carried out during these closures is vital to maintain the reliable running of the railway in the Highlands. Water, wind and geology all contribute to an ever changing landscape and this work will help to reduce the risk of rockfalls.
“We understand that the closure of these lines is inconvenient and we have worked with First ScotRail and Highland Council to reduce delays to a minimum.”
Steve Montgomery, First ScotRail's Operations and Safety Director, added:
“These works are necessary to keep trains running reliably on the Highland lines, however, we recognise the difficulties that these closures can cause our customers. We apologise to passengers for the delay to journeys but remain confident that the replacement bus services will meet their needs. Passengers should allow extra time for their journeys during this period.”
ENDS
Full details are available at www.firstscotrail.com or www.nationalrail.co.uk
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