Broken freight train blocks Highland Mainline near Dalwhinnie - disruption expected until this afternoon warns ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland
Rail passengers were facing further disruption on the Highland Mainline on Saturday morning after a broken down train blocked the track overnight.
A freight train caused chaos to services last night after breaking down near Dalwhinnie, with Network Rail Scotland first announcing the blockage shortly after 7.45pm..
Despite efforts to fix it and move the obstruction, it continued to block the track on Saturday morning, with ScotRail warning passengers to expect disruption until after midday.
Trains due to travel between Inverness and the central belt are either starting or terminating at Perth, with bus replacements in place for some but not all intervening stations.
Passengers are being advised to check their journeys before setting off.
A ScotRail spokesperson said: "Due to a broken down freight train near Dalwhinnie, the line is closed between Inverness and Perth this morning. Buses have been requested, but replacement transport is limited."
Network Rail Scotland added: “We have an assisting locomotive and teams heading to the site this morning, with work underway to move the train.
“The line will remain closed this morning whilst work is carried out to fit and move the unit, expectations are that the line should be in a position to reopen this afternoon. Please check your journey before you travel. We will provide a further update as work progresses.”
The broken down train was not the only disruption in the far north on Saturday morning, with the 6.13am Ardgay to Inverness service cancelled due to lack of available train crew.
And the 8.02am Wick too Inverness service not calling at Thurso or the first of its two scheduled stops in Georgmas Junction, also due to lack of train crew. A Dunnets minibus has been put in place to ferry passengers from Thurso to Georgemas Junction to connect with the train.
For the latest information, visit www.scotrail.co.uk or https://www.journeycheck.com/scotrail.
