Elgin to Aberdeen railway line to close with severe Storm Babet disruption expected
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THE Elgin to Aberdeen railway line will close on Thursday and Friday as Storm Babet is expected to bring severe weather to many parts of Scotland.
Speed restrictions will also be introduced on lines in central and eastern Scotland during the storm, which is expected to bring torrential rain and wind gusts of up to 70mph to the north of Scotland.
The extreme weather means that the following routes will be closed on Thursday and Friday:
- Perth – Aberdeen via Dundee
- Perth – Aviemore (Highland Mainline)
- Perth – Dunblane
- Aberdeen – Elgin (Aberdeen – Inverness line)
- Tain – Wick/Thurso (Far North Line)
- Fife Circle services
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning due to the torrential rain that’s forecast across Angus and south Aberdeenshire from Thursday until Friday afternoon.
Those in areas impacted by the warning are being strongly advised not to travel.
Amber warnings have also been issued, with very strong winds expected on the east coast and far north of Scotland, which could uproot trees and blow them onto the tracks.
Engineers will inspect the affected lines on Saturday morning for any damage, and will reopen them as soon as it’s safe to do so.
A revised timetable will be in place across central and eastern areas of Scotland’s Railway on Thursday and Friday due to the extended journey times that the speed restrictions will bring.
Extra engineers are being deployed across Scotland’s Railway to inspect lines, repair damage, and reopen routes as quickly as possible for passengers and freight customers once the weather clears on Saturday.
More information can be found here.