A major £8 million investment is transforming rail infrastructure at Dalwhinnie, with Network Rail delivering improvements designed to boost accessibility for passengers while enhancing reliability and operational flexibility on the Highland Main Line.
The project centres on the installation of a new crossover, enabling trains to move between tracks and allowing northbound services to use Platform 1 when step-free access is required. The upgrade is expected to improve the travel experience for passengers with reduced mobility while also strengthening the resilience of one of Scotland's most important rail corridors.
As part of the wider programme, engineers will renew approximately 400 yards of track and replace ageing signalling equipment with modern colour light signals. The new infrastructure will improve operational flexibility for both passenger and freight services, helping support the efficient movement of goods across the Scottish rail network.
To facilitate the work, the line through Dalwhinnie will be closed during two engineering possessions:
- Friday 30 October to Monday 2 November
- Friday 6 November to Monday 9 November
During these closures, teams will install and commission the new crossover along with associated track and signalling upgrades.
The investment is also expected to allow trains to operate at higher speeds through the area, contributing to improved performance and reliability on the Highland Main Line. Following the main installation works, engineers will continue working overnight and during weekends until the end of the year to remove redundant infrastructure 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."
The scheme forms part of Network Rail's ongoing investment in Scotland's railway, focused on improving accessibility, strengthening reliability and supporting future growth in both passenger and freight traffic.
Image credit: Network Rail
