A86 reopens as ScotRail disruption continues on West Highland Line between Fort William and Crianlarich

A major road in the Highlands has reopened following a closure that led to a 100-mile diversion for some drivers.

The A86 between Laggan and Spean Bridge had been closed since Monday after nearly a week’s worth of rain fell in just six hours.

Road maintenance firm BEAR Scotland worked throughout Monday and Tuesday to remove more than 600 tonnes of mud and debris that fell over 1.5km of road following landslips.

By 8pm on Tuesday, Traffic Scotland confirmed the A86 at Roybridge had reopened both ways under temporary traffic lights.

Last night we had to close the #A86 east of Roybridge. Due to heavy rain, over 600 Tonnes of mud & debris came down on 1.5km of the road.

We've been working hard to clear it & aim to have the road open by 8pm tonight. More info here: https://t.co/VU1Ps7edXU @trafficscotland pic.twitter.com/mhPPZEXigi
— BEAR NW Trunk Roads (@NWTrunkRoads) June 13, 2023

Meanwhile, the West Highland Line was damaged in three different places between Roybridge and Tullock.

Network Rail said it did not expect the line to open again until Thursday morning.

Parts of the Highlands were battered with heavy rainfall and thunder following days of blistering heat, affecting train lines, roads and properties.

ScotRail services between Glasgow Queen Street and Mallaig are still suspended between Fort William and Crianlarich.

Trains between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban may also be delayed by up to 25 minutes.

/1 ⚠️ Our earthworks examiner has carried out various inspections throughout the night and confirmed that the West Highland line is currently unable to open in its current condition between Fort William and Crianlarich, due to two different areas of concern at the moment. https://t.co/ZH71uULkrM
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) June 13, 2023

The rail operator said limited replacement transport will be available as it urged customers to look at alternative arrangements.

Rannoch and Corrour stations are also inaccessible to alternative transport.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s head of customer operations, said: “Due to the very heavy rain flooding the railway, ScotRail train services are suspended, in both directions, between Fort William and Crianlarich.

“Due to the limited replacement transport available and a road closure on the A86, customers should consider making alternative arrangements, where possible.

“We’re sorry for the impact this has on their journey.”