West Highland Line closed for nine days as £13m upgrade gets under way

The West Highland Line has been closed for nine days as £13 million upgrades get under way.

The work began on Monday and will take place at locations between Helensburgh, Fort William and Mallaig, with Network Rail aiming to improve reliability and reduce the risk of delays.

Linking communities across the Highlands and Central Belt, the line is also popular for visitors travelling to see the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct seen in the Harry Potter films.

Engineers will replace worn track near Arisaig and Corrour, as well as in the Loch nan Uamh and Beasdale tunnels.

Work will also take place at Arrochar and Tarbet station and on Gleann Mama Viaduct.

The Fassfern Bridge near Spean Bridge is due to be refurbished, while a disused bridge near Loch Eil will be removed.

Vegetation will also be cleared between Fort William and Arisaig to help reduce the risk of disruption.

Buses are replacing trains between Crianlarich and Fort William and Mallaig from Monday, November 9, until Tuesday, November 17, while the work is carried out.

Passengers have been advised to plan ahead and check their journeys before travelling.

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said the nine-day programme would allow teams to renew track, improve drainage and carry out essential maintenance.

“This weekend marks the start of a significant programme of work across the West Highland Line, with our teams ready to deliver improvements at a number of locations along the route”, he said.

“By bringing this work together over nine days, we can renew track, improve drainage and carry out essential maintenance that will help make the railway more reliable and resilient for passengers.

“We know there’s never a good time to close the railway, and we’d like to thank passengers and local communities for their patience while we complete these important improvements.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director added: “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 until Tuesday, November 17.

“Customers should plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.”