Network Rail Launches Line Inspections Works Following Storm Babet

Network Rail Engineers are continuing a programme of track and rail line inspection works, following the closure of several lines in the north and north-east of Scotland due to extreme weather caused by Storm Babet.

Speed restrictions will remain in place on lines across central and eastern Scotland and the following routes remain closed:

• Perth – Aberdeen via Dundee

• Perth – Aviemore (Highland Mainline)

• Perth – Dunblane

• Aberdeen – Elgin (Aberdeen – Inverness line)

• Tain – Wick/Thurso (Far North Line)

• Fife Circle services


Engineers will inspect the track when it is safe and will work to restore train services as quickly as possible.

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: "The safety of passengers and colleagues continues to be our top priority during this extreme weather.

"As a precaution we need to keep lines in the worst affected areas closed until it is safe for our engineers to inspect and re-open the network in these areas.

"Our specialist weather team will be monitoring conditions throughout the weekend, while our ground teams remain ready to deal with any issues caused by Storm Babet."

The line closures and speed restrictions are in place as a precaution against potential flood damage to the railway. Heavy rain can cause landslips onto the tracks or wash the stone ballast away from beneath the rails.

Network Rail will deploy additional engineers across Scotland's Railway to inspect lines, repair damage, and reopen routes as quickly as possible for passengers and freight customers once the weather clears.