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Friday 7 Nov 2025

Work begins on £15m West Highland Line upgrade

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Part of the iconic West Highland Line will close for nine days from tonight as Network Rail begins a £15m upgrade on a key section of the route. 

The line plays a vital role in connecting remote Highland communities and is also a popular tourist route, linking travellers with destinations such as Fort William, Mallaig, and the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. The line also includes Corrour Station, the highest mainline railway station in Britain. 

The investment is part of Network Rail’s commitment to improving the long-term resilience and reliability of the route, helping ensure it continues to connect people and places across the Highlands for years to come. 

Over the coming days, engineers will renew around 10 kilometres of track, replace more than 9,000 sleepers and manage vegetation along the line. A railway bridge near Corrour is being renewed, five culverts are being strengthened to improve drainage, and the Feith footbridge is also being refurbished. 

To allow the project to be delivered safely and efficiently, the line will be closed between Crianlarich and Fort William from the end of service tonight (Friday 7 November) until the start of service on Monday 17 November 2025. Rannoch and Tulloch stations will also be used as temporary compounds to support the work.  

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “The West Highland Line runs through some of the most remote and exposed areas of the country, where conditions can be challenging throughout the year. This work is essential to ensure the route continues to operate safely and reliably for everyone who depends on it. 

“When we close any part of the railway, we make sure that time is used as effectively as possible. This project has been carefully planned to deliver a wide range of improvements to help strengthen the infrastructure and protect it for the future. 

“I want to thank passengers and local communities for their patience while this work is delivered. Once complete, the line will be in a stronger position to serve the Highlands for many years to come.” 

During the work, rail replacement buses will run between Crianlarich and Fort William. Train services will continue between Glasgow Queen Street and Crianlarich, and between Fort William and Mallaig. Services between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban are also unaffected. 

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “The West Highland Line is not only a lifeline for rural communities, but also a world-renowned attraction bringing visitors from far and wide. 

“These works are vital to protect that connection for years to come, ensuring customers can continue to enjoy safe and reliable journeys through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. 

“While this essential work takes place, we have rail replacement transport in place to keep customers moving and clear information available to help people plan ahead and travel with confidence. 

“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these important improvements are carried out.” 

Passengers are encouraged to check with their train operator or nationalrail.co.uk before travelling and follow @NetworkRailSCOT on X for the latest updates.