Home   News   Article

Full steam ahead for Inverness airport railway plan


By Alistair Whitfield

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

A NEW railway station next to Inverness Airport could be open by late 2022, Network Rail hopes.

Plans are expected to be submitted for the new Dalcross station before Christmas.

.

And the public will get the chance to view them – and quiz engineers behind the project – at a special online consultation event later this month.

Under the proposals, a brand new station consisting of two platforms, a passing loop and spaces for 64 cars would be built on a site next to the existing Inverness-Aberdeen rail line.

As well as catering for demand to and from the airport, the move is also related to the new housing in the local area – such as the Tornagrain new town under development just a mile to the south-west.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We will be submitting a planning application to Highland Council in December for a new railway station and associated infrastructure at Inverness Airport and the Dalcross area enhancements."

"There have been a large number of improvements made on the Aberdeen to Inverness route and this new station will provide access to all local residents, and the numerous new developments in the area, to the railway network.

"It will provide an ideal opportunity to further develop the area and develop the train service to include the new station.

"We will be holding an online event on October 29 so you can meet the project team and ask any questions you may have.

"We hope to have the station open by late 2022 subject to planning permission, other approvals, and final funding decision by the Scottish Government."

The proposals include the removal of an existing overbridge to the east of the new station, as well as the closure of Dalcross level crossing, although a new footbridge near the crossing would enable continued access across the track for pedestrians and cyclists.

To book a slot at the consultation event and to learn more about the application, visit the Inverness Airport Station website.

You can also contact the project team via email at InvernessAirportStation@networkrail.co.uk



Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More