Highland Main Line to close over two weekends for £8m rail improvements at Dalwhinnie

The Highland Main Line will close over two upcoming weekends as part of improvement works to enhance reliability, according to Network Rail.

The £8m project will include the installation of a crossover tracks which improve flexibility for freight services on the line.

It will also allow northbound trains to use Platform 1 for passengers who require step-free access.

Network Rail says the upgrades will enable more efficient movement of goods between the Highlands and the Central Belt, as trains will be able to travel faster through the area.

For engineers to carry out the improvements, the Highland Main Line will be closed to services over two weekends, Friday, October 30 to Monday, November 2 and from Friday, November 6 to Monday, November 9.

During the works, around 400 yards of track will be renewed, while ageing signalling equipment will be replaced with new colour light signals.

Work will continue at night and weekends until the end of the year as engineers remove old equipment from the site.

Gary Hopkirk, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “It’s great to see this work progressing and we’re looking forward to delivering a better, more accessible railway for passengers at Dalwhinnie.

“We really appreciate everyone’s patience while the work continues and look forward to passengers and freight customers feeling the benefits once it’s complete.”