Train services for new Conon Bridge station

Issued by FirstGroup

ScotRail has confirmed that 13 south-bound and 12 north-bound services will call at Conon Bridge when it re-opens in February 2013.

Three Monday - Saturday services will get commuters into Inverness before 9 am, and there are two evening peak journeys in the other direction.

Conon Bridge station will be a boon for people who live in the area, with trains taking around 25 minutes to travel to or from Inverness. Dingwall is approx seven minutes to the north.

The station will also provide alternative travel options during the resurfacing of the Kessock Bridge in Inverness which begin around the same time.

The £600,000 project is being funded by Transport Scotland with contributions from Highland Council, HITRANS and ScotRail.

ScotRail will be increasing capacity between Inverness and Kyle, Lairg and Ardgay for the duration of the bridge works, scheduled to be completed in June 2013.

Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said: “We’re doing all we can to reduce the impact of the Kessock Bridge works by providing a regular daytime timetable and increasing the number of coaches. We want to encourage people use the train as a realistic alternative to the car.”

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The opening of Conon Bridge station will be a very exciting development for people in the Highlands and the ScotRail timetable will ensure that passengers are able to make the most of this.

"This will be especially crucial during the Kessock Bridge works and will ensure that people are able to go about their daily business without any disruption to their travel plans.

"I look forward to opening the new station in February and to seeing very quickly just how much benefit this will bring to the local community."

The station will have a new 15-metre platform, a waiting shelter, customer information screens on the platform and parking for eight cars, including one accessible space.

Highland Council is building the car park and improving road access and
street lighting.   Councillor Drew Hendry, Leader of The Highland Council said:
"We are delighted that we have been able to assist and support Network Rail with the reopening of the railway station.  This is a major step forward in promoting sustainable transport by encouraging residents from Conon Bridge and the surrounding area to make the change from private car to rail travel, which  will be of immense benefit during the Kessock Bridge remedial works."

Cycle facilities will include space for ten bikes under cover, and a further four cycle lockers.  In addition there are four dedicated spaces on each train, two in each coach.

Frank Roach, Partnership Manager for HITRANS, said, " We are delighted to see this project come to fruition, improving access to  employment, education and leisure in Inverness and further demonstrating the key role that the railway plays in the Highlands."