TRAVEL UPDATE: Speed restrictions introduced on Inverness train routes amid yellow weather warnings
Network Rail Scotland will introduce speed restrictions on lines across Scotland from today (December 7) to enhance safety as heavy rain and high winds are set to hit the country.
The Met Office published yellow rain warnings yesterday, covering much of Scotland from today, with strong winds expected along the east coast and snow and rain in areas throughout the Highlands.
RELATED
Ice disruption set to affect the Highlands as Met Office issues new yellow warning
Thick fog sparks travel chaos at Inverness Airport today
Speed restrictions will be put in place on some sections of the following lines from today until 9am on Friday.
- Aberdeen-Inverness
- Dundee-Aberdeen
- Perth-Inverness
- West Highland Line (Helensburgh Upper-Fort William)
- Carlisle-Glasgow Central, via Dumfries
- Glasgow Central-Stranraer
Heavy rain can cause landslips or wash the supporting stone (ballast) away from beneath the rails. High winds also increase the risk of trees falling onto the track.
Slowing trains down during bad weather allows more time to stop if the weather causes trees or landslips to block tracks.
A revised timetable will be in place across these areas of Scotland’s Railway due to the extended journey times that the speed restrictions will bring.
Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “The safety of passengers and colleagues is our priority during severe weather and as a precaution, we will be slowing trains down in the affected areas.
“Our weather specialists will be monitoring conditions throughout the day and we will have additional teams out on the network ready to deal with any issues caused by the weather.”
The rail operator is asking passengers to check their journey before travelling.
