Network Rail is preparing to begin a major £9 million programme of railway improvements across Inverness station and the scenic Kyle of Lochalsh line, with a three-week closure scheduled to allow critical infrastructure upgrades to be completed.
The investment is aimed at improving reliability, resilience and long-term performance on one of Scotland’s most iconic rail routes, which serves Highland communities and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The line between Dingwall and Kyle of Lochalsh will be closed from Saturday 28 November to Friday 18 December, with services scheduled to resume on Saturday 19 December.
During the closure, engineers will carry out a series of track renewals, bridge repairs and drainage improvements designed to strengthen the railway for the future.
Major Renewals Planned at Inverness Station
At Inverness station, Network Rail teams will renew track and sleepers at platforms five and six. The project will also include refurbishment of key track-switching equipment, helping trains move more efficiently between routes and reducing the risk of disruption.
Elsewhere on the route, approximately 7km of railway track will be replaced at several locations, including:
- Welsh's Bridge and Rose Street level crossing in Inverness
- Achanalt
- Rosebank near Achnasheen
- Between Strathcarron and Stromeferry
The work is expected to provide passengers with a smoother and more reliable journey experience.
Improving Railway Resilience Across the Highlands
As part of the project, Network Rail will also undertake drainage improvements through the renewal of several culverts between Dingwall, Achnasheen and Stromeferry.
The upgrades are intended to reduce the impact of extreme weather on the railway, helping to improve resilience across a route that is often exposed to challenging Highland conditions.
Structural repairs and track renewal work will also be completed on several railway bridges, including the historic Carron Viaduct, ensuring the infrastructure remains safe and dependable for years to come.
Passenger Travel Arrangements During the Closure
Network Rail and ScotRail have confirmed that replacement transport arrangements will be in place throughout the works.
Rail replacement buses will operate between Inverness and Dingwall, while amended train services will continue between Dingwall, Invergordon, Tain, Thurso and Wick.
Passengers are being urged to plan journeys in advance and check the latest travel information before setting out.
Industry Reaction
Gary Hopkirk, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said:
"The Kyle line is an important connection for communities and the many visitors who use it each year, so we know there is never an ideal time to close it.
"This three-week closure gives us the opportunity to complete a significant amount of work in one go, helping to keep the railway safe and reliable for years to come.
"We’re asking passengers to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling, and we thank everyone for their patience while we complete these improvements."
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said:
"While our colleagues at Network Rail deliver this project to improve the long-term reliability of the railway between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh, our priority will be to keep customers moving and ensuring they can continue to travel with confidence.
"We know how important the Kyle line is to the communities it serves, so we’ll have a rail replacement plan in place to ensure customers can still travel reliably throughout the works.
"We’re grateful to customers for their patience and understanding when this vital work takes place and look forward to welcoming them back on the line when the work is complete."
Image credits: Network Rail
