Network Rail has announced that work on the Inverness Airport Station programme is set to cause the closure of a section of the line between Inverness and Aberdeen for eleven days in October.
The eleven-day period will run from 11:55pm on Friday 18th October, until 4:45am on Wednesday 26th October, allowing engineers to work around the lock to carry out extensive work on the line, as part of the wider Inverness Airport Station programme enhancements.
Network Rail Scotland’s capital delivery director, Kris Kinnear, said:
“The work we are undertaking in mid-October will see the removal of the level cross at Petty and significant work to progress the new station at the Airport.
“We know that closing the railway at any time is never ideal, however we always endeavour to plan our work for when fewer people are travelling on the railway and at a time which reduced overall inconvenience for the travelling public.
“We understand that this is not great news for those making plans to travel during the holiday to visit or friends or for leisure purposes, unfortunately on this occasion the work planned cannot be delivered without closing the railway.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to people planning to us this route and we would urge them to plan ahead and check their journey in advance.”
The closure means that work can be continuous to complete the new Airport station, installing the passing loop through the station alongside the enhancement of sections of track within the area.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:
“We know length line closures can be a real inconvenience for customers, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving during the work.
“I would encourage customers to plan ahead using the ScotRail app or website and remember that journey times will be longer than normal where replacement buses are in use.
“I’d also like to thank our customers for their patience in bearing with us while this important rail link for the area is delivered.”