Network Rail engineers will be delivering a £9m programme of “vital” track and level crossing enhancements between Aberdeen and Dundee over six weekends in February and March.
Engineers will renew 2,500m of track at a number of locations along the line between the two cities, as well as upgrading Carnoustie level crossing.
During the work, more than 8,000 tonnes of old material will be removed from the railway, while the operation will also see the installation of 3,500 new concrete sleepers and 2,500m of rail.
Network Rail said on Friday that, due to the complexity of the engineering work and the heavy machinery involved, these projects cannot be delivered without some short-term closures of the line.
The railway will be closed on Sundays between February 10 and March 17, with buses replacing trains between Aberdeen and Dundee while the company delivers what it describes as crucial investment in Scotland’s railway.
That will cause problems for football and rugby supporters attempting to travel to the Granite City in both months.
Queen of the South supporters will be making the journey north for the Scottish Cup fifth round match against Aberdeen on February 10.
And north-east rugby aficionados returning from the Calcutta Cup contest between Scotland and England – an evening kick-off on March 16 – are likely to face much longer journeys on the way home from London.
Lindsay Saddler, infrastructure director, said: “The work we are undertaking is vital for the long-term future reliability of the line.
“Our engineers will be working around-the-clock on each Sunday to complete these complex projects as quickly as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience these works will cause to some passengers, residents and motorists which is why we are working at weekends, when fewer people are travelling, in order to limit disruption as much as possible.”
