Conon Bridge rail station back on track by February 2013
A ROSS-SHIRE railway station closed for over half a century is set to re-open next year ahead of a major Kessock Bridge revamp.
A new £600,000 station will be built at Conon Bridge in time for a February 2013 opening, according to Scottish Government Transport Minister Keith Brown.
He says the project will be completed in time for the resurfacing works being carried out on the Kessock Bridge - a delayed project which, it has been predicted, could cause peak-time traffic chaos.
The station has been closed since 1960. The new facility will service the Far North and the Kyle Lines, giving locals an alternative to driving, both during the essential repairs to Kessock Bridge and beyond.
Welcoming the timescale, Mr Brown added: “It is essential that we encourage motorists out of their cars and on to public transport during these works and a local station at Conon Bridge will help to do this."
Transport Scotland is also planning temporary bus lanes, extending car parks at other stations, extra carriages on trains and more bus services into Inverness.
Workon the station is expected to start next month.
Councillor Drew Hendry, the leader of Highland Council, welcomed the announcement as "great news".
He said: "Recently we have seen a big increase in passengers commuting by rail into Inverness so the re-opening of Conon Station will provide even more opportunities for people to make the switch from car to rail travel.
“In recognition of this and to ensure this worthwhile project is established I am delighted that Highland Council has agreed to contribute the appropriate funds, namely £100,000 towards the costs of the re-opening and a further £100,000 to the cost of upgrading the car park.”
Transport Scotland is pumping £18m into the upgrade of Kessock Bridge, bringing it in line with modern traffic standard requirements.
The first phase of the resurfacing work will commence in February 2013 and last until June 2013, with a second phase the following year, commencing February 2014 and lasting until June 2014.
Traffic restrictions will be in place during these times, with a reduced speed limit of 30mph on the bridge for the safety of motorists and the workforce.
Considerable delays are expected on the heavily trafficked route during these works and motorists are being encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel into the city centre and to consider using public transport.
Employers are being encouraged to allow staff to adopt flexible working patterns, car pools and working from home.
