Speed limit reductions announced for Kyle of Lochalsh line by Network Rail Scotland after Met Office issues yellow weather warning for heavy rain

RAIL passengers are being warned of plans to reduce speed limits on the Kyle line during forecast rain later this week.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain on Thursday for parts of south-western Scotland.

And, although the area covered by the alert does not extend as far north as Ross-shire, potentially disruptive rainfall amounts of up to 50mm are predicted along Scotland's west coast.

Reacting to the forecast, Network Rail has advised that a 40mph limit will be in force between Achnasheen and Kyle of Lochalsh for parts of Thursday and Friday.

A Network Rail Scotland spokesman said: "We've just caught up with our teams, and colleagues from our train operating companies as we approach this next period of bad weather. We're expecting to see some significant rainfall over the next few days.

"Our four delivery units have shared their plans, which include additional staff deployments, proactive checking of pumping equipment and inspections of structures we think will see the worst of the rainfall.

"From 2pm tomorrow (Thursday), we'll implement 40mph speed restrictions on the West Highland Line between Glenfinnan-Lochailort and on the Kyle Line between Achnasheen-Kyle. They'll remain in place for the first trains of the day on Friday too."

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