Rail passengers are being reminded that buses will replace trains for a section of a major route for nine days from this weekend.

ScotRail said the West Highland Line between Crianlarich and Fort William and Mallaig would be closed for essential engineering works from March 16 to 24.

The Rannoch viaduct will see major upgrade work just north of Rannoch station as Network Rail carries out nine days of engineering.

It is part of a £1.6million investment to extend the lifespan of the structure.

Buses will replace trains between Crianlarich and Fort William, and between Fort William and Mallaig.

A bus service will replace trains connecting Tulloch, Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge stations to Fort William.

There will be no bus or train service at Rannoch and Corrour stations because of their distance from the major road network. 

Services between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban will not be affected.

Stations south of Crianlarich, including Helensburgh Upper, Garelochhead, Arrochar & Tarbet and Ardlui, will be served by trains as normal.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “While Network Rail undertake engineering works to Rannoch viaduct between 16 and 24 March, customers should be aware that ScotRail train services will be replaced with buses from Crianlarich to Fort William and Mallaig.

“During this time, customers travelling north of Crianlarich should note that journey times may take longer, and we encourage customers to check before they travel using the ScotRail website, app, or social media channels.

“We understand the disruption this will cause to customers’ journeys, but it is essential that Network Rail carries out these works, and we thank customers for their patience.”