WORK ON THE NEW Forres railway station is progressing well with progress on the £35million project being inspected by regional MSP Douglas Ross this week.
Mr Ross was shown around the site by Stacey MacDonald, the communications manager for Network Rail, and Stuart MacKay, communications manager for Bam Nuttall.
The work at Forres is part of major upgrades to the line between Inverness and Aberdeen and includes laying of new lines that it is expected will greatly improve the journey.
Mr Ross, who has based his parliamentary office in Forres, said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit the site in Forres where major works are well underway to construct a new section of double rail track, which will also see a new road bridge being built alongside a new railway station for the town.
“With the Forres project alone costing between 35 and 40 million pounds this is a very welcome and much needed major investment in the rail network in the north of Scotland.
“Whilst the Forres works are very visible, the upgrade works being done between Inverness and Aberdeen will make significant changes for all the communities served by this railway line.
“With increased dual sections, new platforms at some stations and signalling works, I understand these changes will bring great benefits to rail users with longer trains being possible and an increased frequency of services.
“This will be particularly welcome at local stations where trains are still stopping at the signal box to handover a key before continuing the journey.
“The works are at an advanced stage already and are on schedule for the new station to be open later in 2017 which I know will be welcomed by many people in Forres and the surrounding area.”