Network Rail Scotland warns that flooding on Inverness-Aberdeen railway line still too severe for inspection – raising possibility of longer delays; ScotRail has already confirmed that trains will be affected all Friday, with Inverness services terminating in Forres
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ENGINEERS dealing with severe flooding on the Inverness-Aberdeen railway line are still unable to do a full inspection of the damage – sparking fears that disruption could linger well into the weekend.
Part of the track was washed away between Forres and Elgin earlier this week. The damage has resulted in trains leaving Inverness terminating in Forres. And services from Aberdeen are stopping in Elgin, with bus replacements operating to connect the affected stations.
And, as of the last update, passengers have been warned that services will be affected until at least the end of Friday.
But, a statement by Network Rail Scotland on Thursday night raised the possibility that the delays and cancellations could run for longer – after they flagged up further rain in the forecast.
They revealed that an 11 metre (35ft) section of track embankment has been swept away, and a culvert which is pivotal to repairs, is still inundated with flood water.
Updating passengers, a Network Rail Scotland spokesman said: "We're dealing with severe flooding, with water levels through a culvert under the railway three metres higher than normal, with neighbouring fields also flooded.
"This has hindered progress as we can't inspect the culvert for damage until water levels drop (so far, they've dropped around 0.5 metres) Around 11 metres of embankment has washed away underneath the track. Our signalling cables are submerged and a nearby telegraph pole has collapsed.
"We're conscious that more heavy rain is forecast over the next 24 hours, but our team are working on a plan to repair the railway and reopen it as soon as we can. As soon as we're able to give a robust estimate for reopening, we'll let you know."
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