RAIL bosses have revealed more details of the major work planned for the Helensburgh area which will see trains suspended at New Year.

Buses will replace ScotRail trains between Helensburgh Central and Dumbarton Central - and also on the West Highland line south of Crianlarich - on Tuesday, January 2 because of engineering work.

Network Rail says it's investing £11.1 million into upgrading signalling and improving level crossing safety around Craigendoran.

The line will have to close from 11pm on Sunday, December 31 until 5.25am on Wednesday, January 3 - though with services due to finish early on Hogmanay, and no ScotRail trains on any route on January 1, the disruption is likely to be restricted to one day.

Engineers will be installing a "miniature stop light" (MSL) at the level crossing at Geilston.

Later in January they will also put a similar MSL system in place at the privately accessible Geilston Farm level crossing.

The infrastructure company says the new systems will help reduce the need for trains to sound their horns in the area.

MSL works with red and green lights and an audible warning in advance of a train arriving.

It replaces the current system that requires people to stop, look and listen for trains before crossing.

Network Rail says worn-out signalling equipment in the area will also be upgraded and its power supply and CCTV at the level crossing will be improved.

Apart from the line closure over the New Year period, Network Rail says most of the work will be carried out at times when it won't disrupt train services - and that the work is expected to be complete by March 2024.

The replacement buses on January 2 will call at all intermediate stations. 

However, there will be no Caledonian Sleeper services on the West Highland line.

 

Irfan Ahmed, project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Safety is our top priority and the work we’re doing at Craigendoran will improve performance and reliability for rail passengers while providing level crossing users with clear signals about when it’s safe to cross.

“In addition, the project will extend the lifespan of the cabling, signalling equipment and CCTV in the lineside area to keep the railway reliable for years to come.

“We understand that there’s never a great time to disrupt services but would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while these vital works are completed.”

For full details of ScotRail engineering work over the New Year holiday period see scotrail.co.uk.