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ScotRail trains back running between Inverness and Wick after railway bridge crash – but delays are hitting services


By Alasdair Fraser

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A ScotRail train pulls away from the platform at Altnabreac on the Far North Line.
A ScotRail train pulls away from the platform at Altnabreac on the Far North Line.

Rail services between Inverness and Wick are back running again with delays after a vehicle hit a rail bridge in Ross-shire earlier today.

The accident between Tain and Fearn was first reported at around 11.15 am and caused some damage to the bridge parapet.

It is not yet known if anyone was injured in the crash.

The north line was closed and services halted while specialist staff travelled north to inspect the structure and assess the damage, but the route was deemed safe to reopen at 1pm.

A Network Scotland spokesman said: “The bridge was struck at around 11.15 am and it caused some damage to the bridge parapet, but we had a specialist engineer on site by about 12.15 pm.

“The line was then inspected and the bridge was found to still be structurally sound. The track above it was still fine, despite some damage to the wall.

“The railway reopened at about 1pm. It has obviously caused a bit of delay because it was suit for the best part of two hours, but the structure and line is still fit for purpose.”

A Scotrail spokeswoman said: “Engineers have now inspected the bridge and we're able to run services again.

“We're working hard to get services running back to schedule - thanks for your patience.”

Travellers are asked to check National Rail Enquiries and ScotRail’s own website for changes to services, with social media service updates at: @nationalrailenq or @ScotRail


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