Radical project proposed to fully electrify nearly 120 miles of railway between Dunblane and Aberdeen
dailyrecord.co.ukA radical project has been proposed to fully electrify nearly 120 miles of railway between Dunblane and Aberdeen - which could see Perth and Kinross passengers facing seven years of disruption.
Network Rail has submitted plans to the six affiliated councils which would see the installation of overhead power lines on the vast majority of the existing Aberdeen to Central Belt - A2CB - track, meaning a number of historic bridges will be demolished.The national railway body said the project will “deliver significant environmental benefits” and “enhance the infrastructure” for years to come.If given the go ahead, the major overhaul would start in 2023 just north of Dunblane Station before heading through Blackford to Gleneagles Station.
The line works would continue on to Perth, over the Kincardine Viaduct, and thereafter the Forteviot and Earn Viaducts. The A2CB line using platforms one and two at Perth Railway Station would be upgraded before heading on to the Tay Viaduct.
The line works then follow along the route of the River Tay and the A90 to Invergowrie Station, then onto Dundee, Angus and Aberdeen.A total of 152 bridges and 16 stations would undergo some kind of work - with the listed footbridge at Invergowrie Station potentially facing a complete rebuild under the plan.The plans also indicate that the St Leonard’s Bridge in Perth would also be upgraded.Twenty four bridges across the line will be rebuilt and 21 demolished completely, but Network Rail has not disclosed which ones as of yet.Work has been undertaken at the behest of Network Rail to understand the potential impact of electrification on bridges over the railway, and further analysis on clearances and gauge will be undertaken to see if the overall scope
Read more on dailyrecord.co.uk
