Passengers are being reminded that work on the West Highland Line is just one month away, with Network Rail set to carry out essential upgrades to improve the reliability of one of Scotland’s most famous routes.

The line is a vital link between communities in the Highlands and Central Belt carrying thousands of visitors to some of the country’s most popular tourist spots.

The project will help ensure passengers can continue to rely on the railway for everyday journeys, business and tourism well into the future.

Starting next month, engineers will carry out track renewals, drainage improvements and essential maintenance to railway infrastructure between Helensburgh, Fort William and Mallaig, helping to improve reliability and make the route more resilient to severe weather.

The project includes:

  • Renewing more than 4km of worn track at locations between Helensburgh and Mallaig, including near Arisaig, Corrour, in the Loch nan Uamh and Beasdale tunnels, at Arrochar & Tarbet station and on Gleann Mama Viaduct, improving reliability and reducing the risk of delays.
  • Improving drainage and renewing culverts, including between Glen Douglas and Arrochar & Tarbet, to help make the railway more resilient to flooding and extreme weather.

  • Maintaining structures along the line by refurbishing Fassfern Bridge near Spean Bridge and removing a redundant bridge near Loch Eil.

  • Clearing vegetation between Fort William and Arisaig to reduce the risk of disruption.

 

To allow the work to take place safely and efficiently, buses will replace trains between Crianlarich and Fort William / Mallaig from Monday 9 to Tuesday 17 November. Network Rail and train operators are working together to support local communities and passengers.

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “In just a month’s time, we’ll get started on a major programme of improvements across the West Highland Line.

“We know closing the line isn’t ideal at any time, but it gives us the opportunity to carry out a large amount of work in one go, rather than causing repeated disruption over a longer period.

“We’d like to thank passengers and local communities for their patience while this takes place and look forward to reopening the line when these improvements are completed.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service delivery director, said: “We know these works will mean changes to journeys for customers travelling on the West Highland Line, and we want to thank everyone for their patience while this important investment takes place.

“The improvements being delivered by Network Rail will help make the railway more reliable and resilient, helping to protect this vital route for the communities, businesses, and visitors who depend on it.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to keep people moving during the works with a robust rail replacement plan in place. This includes buses replacing trains between Crianlarich and Fort William and Mallaig from Monday, 9 November until Tuesday, 17 November. Customers should plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.”