Section of East Coast rail line closes for nine days

News imageBBC There are two trains in the station. There are security barriers in the foreground and passengers in the background.BBC
The line shut on Saturday

Train passengers on the East Coast rail line, which runs between London and Aberdeen, are being warned part of the route is shut for the next nine days.

Network Rail says electrification work requires complete closure of the line west of Edinburgh from Saturday until 25 January.

Engineering work between Haymarket and Dalmeny is part of a £340m electrification project which Network Rail says is designed to deliver greener, more reliable services in future.

Some bridges are being rebuilt and raised, or tracks lowered to make room for overhead line installation.

News imageMark has short brown hair. He is wearing a grey jacket.
Mark Ilderton said the "significant" works run until the end of 25 January

ScotRail says thousands of passengers a day will be affected and they should check on services before travelling.

Some trains are being diverted through Stirling and Perth, whilst others are replaced by buses.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail's service delivery director, described the works as "significant".

"Network Rail's upcoming work is a vital stage in the Fife electrification project, paving the way for long-term improvements that will benefit customers for years to come," he said.

"We've put alternative travel plans in place to help keep people moving, and we encourage customers to take a moment to check their options before travelling.

"Some journeys may take longer than usual, so planning ahead will make things easier.

"Our website and the ScotRail app have the latest information, and we'll continue to provide clear updates and support throughout the works."