The line is a vital connection between communities in the Highlands and Central Belt.

The work will help to ensure passengers can continue to rely on the railway for day-to-day journeys, business and tourism. 

In November, engineers will deliver track renewals, drainage enhancements and vital maintenance to railway infrastructure between Helensburgh, Fort William and Mallaig, helping to boost reliability and improve the route’s resistance to severe weather.

Renewing over four kilometres of worn track at locations between Helensburgh and Mallaig, such as near Arisaig, Corrour, in the Loch nan Uamh and Beasdale tunnels, at Arrochar & Tarbet station and on Gleann Mama Viaduct are all part of the project. 

Enhancing drainage and renewing culverts, such as between Glen Douglas and Arrochar & Tarbet, to improve the railway’s resistance to flooding and extreme weather also forms part of the project. 

What’s more, the work of the project includes maintaining structures along the line through the refurbishment of Fassfern Bridge near Spean Bridge and removing a redundant bridge near Loch Eil.

For the work to go ahead safely and efficiently, buses will replace trains between Crianlarich and Fort William / Mallaig from 9-17 November.

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We know closing the line isn’t ideal at any time, but it gives us the opportunity to carry out a large amount of work in one go, rather than causing repeated disruption over a longer period.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We know these works will mean changes to journeys for customers travelling on the West Highland Line …”

“We’ll be doing everything we can to keep people moving during the works with a robust rail replacement plan in place.”

Ilderton added: “This includes buses replacing trains between Crianlarich and Fort William and Mallaig from Monday, 9 November until Tuesday, 17 November. 

“Customers should plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.”