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ScotRail services between Crianlarich and Fort William and Mallaig will be replaced by buses from Monday, November 9, until Tuesday, November 17, as Network Rail carries out major upgrades to the West Highland Line.
The disruption comes as engineers prepare to renew more than four kilometres of track and carry out essential maintenance along the route, which connects communities across the Highlands and Central Belt.
Work will take place at several locations between Helensburgh and Mallaig, including near Arisaig and Corrour, inside the Loch nan Uamh and Beasdale tunnels, at Arrochar and Tarbet station and on the Gleann Mama Viaduct.
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Engineers will also refurbish the Fassfern Bridge near Spean Bridge, remove a redundant bridge near Loch Eil and clear vegetation between Fort William and Arisaig to reduce the risk of future disruption.
Network Rail said the improvements will make the railway more reliable and resilient for passengers, businesses and tourists who depend on the route.
Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “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.
“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.”
ScotRail has urged passengers to check their journeys in advance, warning of disruption throughout the nine-day period.
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Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “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, 17 November. Customers should plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.”
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