BAM delivers significant progress on Inverness Airport Station programme

BAM and its project partners have worked around the clock on behalf of Network Rail to deliver extensive work between Inverness and Nairn as part of the wider programme of enhancements being delivered for the station development.

While the work could not be delivered while the railway remained operational, the activities were scheduled for this time to minimise the disruption to the travelling public. Once complete the new line will offer more regular, shorter journeys and service the airport.

As well as work to significantly progress the new station, the team delivered a 950m passing loop – effectively double-tracking through the station, installed three sets of points and renewed nearly 7km of rail adjacent to the site using 2,900 sleepers and 10,000 tonnes of ballast.

A new modular signalling system was also introduced through the area which saw the installation of 10 new signals and the first-use of ‘fibre’ cables for signalling. In all more than 30km of signalling cable and 7km of power cable was run during the work.

Nissar Mohammed BAM’s Operations Director for Rail, said: ‘The work undertaken during the blockade was incredibly successful and we have made fantastic progress on the delivering this exciting new enhancement to the Scottish rail network. When complete the improvements will provide a quicker, more regular rail service between Inverness airport and the city centre, enhancing the lives of commuters and facilitating growth in the area.’

Billy McKay, Network Rail Scotland’s programme manager for the Inverness project, said: ‘We are delighted that the work during the blockade has been successfully completed and that the line has been reopened for passengers. The volume of work delivered on site over the eleven-day programme meant planning and coordination was key and I am delighted that the work was carried out safely and efficiently is credit to the skill and expertise of the contractors involved. Thank you to passengers for their patience during this work and hope that they begin to see and experience the benefits the investment in the railway is delivering.’