Contractor 'very close' to completing strengthening works on Cairngorm funicular's viaduct
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Progress continues to be made ahead of the return of the funicular this winter at Cairngorm Mountain although no specific date has yet been given for its resumption.
A spokesperson for resort owners Highlands and Islands Enterprise told the Strathy: “Funicular reinstatement works have progressed well since resuming in April 2022.
“Installation of the control system got under way in October and is currently ongoing.
“At the same time HIE’s contractors Balfour Beatty are very close to completing strengthening works on the two kilometre viaduct and we expect they will start to withdraw from the mountain next week.
“That will mean real-life testing of the control system can start in mid-November, so the train will be running on the track again, although not yet open to passengers.
“Following testing, the next and final stage is gaining safety certification from the Department for Transport.
“While we can’t prejudge their decision, we are hopeful that this can be achieved in time for the funicular to be relaunched early in 2023 during the snowsports season.”
Meanwhile work is now under way to instal a new uplift conveyor belt system that will be used for snowsports in winter and mountain biking at other times of the year.
Funded by HIE, Aviemore-based civil and environmental engineering firm McGowan Limited has been contracted by CMSL to carry out the installation works.
It involves creating two 100m tracks at the lowest area of the ski slopes next to the Day Lodge.
They will then install the conveyor belt and operating system – also known as magic carpets – and carry out associated landscaping and environmental works. The work is expected to be completed in early December.
It will be the first new uplift at the resort since the Sunkid Shieling beginners rope tow was installed around 2015.
Ms Smith said: “We are committed to investing and improving our product offering and the installation of the new tracks will greatly improve the experience of snowsports for beginners and intermediaries for this winter season.
“They will also be used as part of our exciting new mountain biking facility for 2023.”
