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Rannoch Viaduct Upgrade Work

Rannoch Viaduct Upgrade Work

The West Highland Line between Crianlarich and Fort William/Mallaig closed for nine days from 16 March. Trains returned on 25 March.

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Faqs

We understand that you may have some questions about the work we are doing and we have tried to answer those questions below.

  • What are you doing to the Rannoch Viaduct?

    Rannoch viaduct, north of Rannoch station will be upgraded in a £1.6 million project, extending the life of the structure.

    New timbers will be installed and the metal girders will be repaired, cleaned and repainted on the viaduct, which carries the line across the world-famous Rannoch Moor.

    This work will help Network Rail keep Scotland’s Railway safe and reliable for years to come.

  • When is this going to happen?

    The West Highland Line between Crianlarich and Fort William/Mallaig will close for nine days from 16 March. Trains return on 25 March.

    Preparations begin with a compound setup scheduled for February 26.

  • Why is this work happening?

    The works at Rannoch Viaduct will replace 50 longitudinal timbers (way beams) which run the length of the 208m structure and support the rail going over the steel bridge. The softwood timbers are life-expired and will be replaced with hardwood alternatives and the existing baseplates and rail also being renewed.

    In addition to the work on the viaduct, Network Rail will also improve multiple sections of track between Tyndrum and Roy Bridge and between Spean Bridge and Arisaig.

    Signalling upgrades will take place between Fort William and Spean Bridge.

    Had we used normal access arrangements this work would be spread over a period of approximately one years’ worth of Saturday night engineering access and would be considerably more costly. Closing the railway for nine days is never an easy decision, but it’s not possible to carry out this work while keeping trains running.


  • What is the history of the Viaduct?

    Rannoch Viaduct is 208m long, second only in length to Glenfinnan Viaduct on the line.

    It is a curved lattice girder structure, which sits on nine granite piers and carries the line above Rannoch Moor.

    It was constructed to support the opening of this section of the line in 1894.

    It was designed by engineers Formans & McCall of Glasgow and built by Lucas & Aird of London. The steel-work was supplied by Alexander Findlay & Co of Motherwell.

  • How will travel be affected?

    Alternative travel arrangements from 16 – 24 March 2024.

    Glasgow Queen St – Ft William / Mallaig services impacted, meaning:

    • Buses replace trains between Crianlarich and Ft William, and between Ft William and Mallaig.
    • Bus service also replaces and serves Tulloch, Roy Bridge & Spean Bridge stations with Ft. William.
    • There is no service at Rannoch & Corrour stations.

    Services between Glasgow Queen St and Oban operated as normal.