Kyle of Lochalsh line level crossing safety probe prompts overnight closure of A890 at Balnacra

The A890 will close overnight on Sunday, September 24 as Network Rail undertakes essential maintenance at Balnacra level crossing on the Kyle of Lochalsh line.

The level crossing safety inspection is scheduled over just one night from Sunday into Monday, September 25.

To complete the required work, including a full corrosion inspection, in the safest and most efficient way, the A890 will be closed at the crossing from 10pm on Sunday evening until 6am on Monday morning.

Every level crossing has a programme of inspection to ensure that they are safe and operating as designed.

At Balnacra, Network Rail will remove the units which make up the road surface of the crossing to thoroughly inspect the entire length of both lines, checking the rails for signs of corrosion and silt build-up and assessing the need for any future maintenance.

During the full road closure, there will be no vehicular access over the crossing, except for emergency vehicles.

Conscious of the inconvenience the road closure will cause, Network Rail says it is working closely with Highland Council to highlight the situation to road users and will work to keep the duration of the closure to an absolute minimum.

Network Rail is also advising that the overnight work may also inconvenience properties closest to the crossing "and would like to thank them in advance for their patience".

Lee Ross, infrastructure maintenance delivery manager at Network Rail, said: “The work planned at Balnacra level crossing is unavoidable and the safest and quickest way to do what is needed is to close the road.

“The crossing equipment and surrounding track is regularly monitored as part of Network Rail’s rolling maintenance and inspection programme to ensure that it is safe and operating as designed.

“While we appreciate the short-term impact of this work is inconvenient, the long-term benefit is that it helps minimise overall disruption for both passengers and road users and helps us deliver a reliable and resilient railway.”

If anyone has any questions in relation to the work, they can call Network Rail’s 24-hr helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email via the website at www.networkrail.co.uk/contactus

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