Vital maintenance work is to commence on Garve level crossing later this month.

Network Rail engineers will carry out a full corrosion inspection while replacing rails, sleepers and ballast on the crossing during two phases of work beginning overnight on Monday 30 September.

To allow safe access for engineers, the crossing at the A835 will fully close overnight on Monday 30 September and then again on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October.

During the full closures, access will be enabled for the emergency services however there will be no access over the crossing for all other traffic.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place overnight on 1, 2, 3, 21 and 22 October, as well as during daytime and evening hours on Saturday 19 October.


Full details of the closures and temporary traffic management arrangements are as follows:

Phase 1

Full Road closure 9pm – 4am on Monday 30 September

Half Road closure 9pm – 4am each night on October 1 / 2 / 3

Phase 2

Full Road closure 9pm – 6am each night on October 19 & 20

Half Road closure 4am – 9pm on Sunday October 19

Half road closure 9pm – 4am each night on October 21 & 22

Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained via the station footbridge at all times.

David MacLean, Network Rail's level crossing manager for the Inverness area, said: "The work we’re completing at Garve level crossing is essential to the safe and reliable running of the railway.

"The crossing equipment and surrounding track is regularly monitored as part of Network Rail's rolling maintenance and inspection programme to make sure it’s safe and operating as designed.

"The route is important for traffic heading for the ferry to Stornoway, so we’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead, particularly when the road is closed fully, as longer alternative routes will need to be taken on those dates.

"We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while we complete this project, which will reduce overall disruption for both passengers and road users for years to come."