Highland mainline closed at Dalwhinnie due to deep snow, Network Rail Scotland confirms; snow also causing issues at Slochd, Tomatin and Moy passing loops; disruption comes amid yellow and amber snow warnings from the Met Office
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DEEP drifting snow has forced the closure of the Highland mainline, Network Rail Scotland has warned.
The line is closed at Dalwhinnie, and disruption is expected until at least midday.
Heavy snow is also affecting the line’s passing loops at Moy, Tomatin and Slochd, and points at the likes of Tomatin have been buried in places by the snowfall.
The disruption comes amid active yellow weather warnings for snow in the area, and just hours before an amber alert takes effect.
The latter warning, which could see an extra half-a-metre of snow dumped on the highest Highland routes, comes into force at midnight tonight and will stay in force for 42 hours.
A Network Rail Scotland spokesman said: "We've closed the Highland Main Line at Dalwhinnie, due to deep, drifting snow. Our Integrated Control team working on a plan to reopen the line as soon as possible, but disruption's expected until at least lunchtime.
"We're arranging our track team for the area to attend initially to assess the depth, and what we'll need to do to reopen the line.
"We're working to secure a locomotive to patrol this section of the track, to clear the snowdrifts. When we have more information, we'll let you know.
"Heavy snow is affecting the passing loops at Slochd, Tomatin and Moy on the Highland Mainline, and we're seeing it drift into the railway at other points along the route too."
For the latest train updates, visit www.scotrail.co.uk.
Related news: Amber alert: Up to half-a-metre of fresh snow forecast by Met Office
