West Highland Line to Close for Essential Repairs and Maintenance

One of the world’s most scenic railways, the West Highland Line, is set to experience a closure between 7-17 November as essential repairs and maintenance work takes place across the tracks.

The work, which has been valued at nearly 15 million GBP, will see Network Rail deliver track renewals, improve drainage and refurbish critical structures.

Ross Moran, Route Director at Network Rail Scotland, said:

This is a significant investment in the future of the West Highland Line, helping to ensure it remains safe, reliable and resilient for years to come. The route is vital for the communities it serves and for the many visitors who travel to experience one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

We appreciate there’ll be disruption as a result of this work and thank passengers and communities in advance for their patience. These upgrades are essential to keeping services running smoothly in a remote and challenging environment.

The improvement project seeks to enhance the line’s long-term safety, which connects visitors along the Highlands to destinations such as Fort William, Mallaig and the Glenfinnan viaduct.

Key improvement works will include the replacement of roughly 10km of rail and 9,100 sleepers, the renewal of a railway bridge near Corrour, vegetation management, the renewal of five culverts in order to improve drainage and ensure structural stability and the renewal of the Feith footbridge.

In order to carry out the works, the line will be closed for nine days between Crianlarich and Fort William between the evening of Friday 7 November and the morning of Monday 17 November 2025.

Passengers have been advised to check travel plans in advance during the closure.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:

The West Highland Line is a vital connection for the communities it serves as well as an important gateway for Scotland’s tourism industry, which is why these essential works are so important.

While the work takes place, our priority will be on keeping people moving with rail replacement transport in place. We’re grateful to customers for their understanding and patience while Network Rail carries out these improvements.