£3.8m track overhaul planned at Aberdeen station over three weekends

Network Rail is preparing to carry out a £3.8 million programme of track renewals at Aberdeen station, a major hub on Scotland’s rail network, aimed at improving performance and long-term reliability.

The work will be delivered across three consecutive weekends, beginning on Saturday 31 January, and will focus on platforms 3, 4, 6 and 7. During the closures, engineers will replace worn rails, sleepers and ballast, as well as upgrading the points and associated equipment that allow trains to switch between lines within the station area.

Once complete, the project will have seen nearly one and a half miles of track renewed. Around 1,500 new sleepers and 4,500 tonnes of ballast will be installed, replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its working life and strengthening one of the busiest sections of railway in the north-east of Scotland.

To allow the work to be completed safely, Aberdeen station will be closed to passenger trains on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February, and Sunday 15 and Monday 16 February. Network Rail said planning has been carried out with train operators to reduce disruption, with replacement transport in place throughout the closures.

ScotRail services will be replaced by buses between Aberdeen and Dundee, Aberdeen and Montrose, Inverurie and Aberdeen, and Dyce and Aberdeen. CrossCountry will operate rail replacement buses between Dundee and Aberdeen. LNER services from London Kings Cross will run only as far as Dundee, with buses provided onward to Aberdeen calling at Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven.

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said:

“Carrying out this work over a small number of weekends lets us make substantial improvements while keeping disruption to a minimum. By renewing key sections at the station, we’re building in resilience that will support more reliable and smoother journeys. I’d like to thank customers for their patience while we complete this essential upgrade. Our teams will be working intensively throughout each weekend to reopen the station on time for customers.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:

“Aberdeen station is a key gateway for the northeast of Scotland, supporting thousands of journeys every day and connecting communities across the region and beyond. The £8m redevelopment of Aberdeen station in 2022 delivered major improvements for customers and strengthened the station’s role as a key transport interchange. Continued investment in essential track and infrastructure upgrades will help improve performance and provide more reliable journeys. While this essential work takes place, we know there will be disruption to journeys, and we’d like to thank customers for their patience and understanding. Our focus will be on minimising the impact on customers and ensuring they have the information and alternative travel options they need to continue travelling with confidence.”

Image: Network Rail