The £600,000 project to reintroduce rail services at Conon Bridge for the first time in more than five decades has been praised at a top UK transport awards.
Delivered by ScotRail and Network Rail, the station reopening earned Highly Commended in the Small Project categories at the Network Rail Partnership Awards in London.
Judges were impressed that the station, built by Network Rail, was finished in February on budget and within just three months of work starting – in time for it to play a major role in alleviating transport issues during the £18million Kessock Bridge refurbishment programme.
ScotRail managing director Steve Montgomery said: “The Conon Bridge project was a real team effort between ScotRail, industry partners, local authorities and residents.
“It has delivered real benefits for communities in the area - and it is great that it has now received this national recognition.”
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "I would like to congratulate ScotRail on being Highly Commended for this project.
“The re-opening of Conon Bridge station is a good example of partnership working and demonstrates just what can be achieved when we work together.
“The station gives locals a convenient alternative to car travel with access to centres of employment, education and leisure across the Highlands both during the essential repairs to Kessock Bridge and beyond.”
Councillor John Semple, HITRANS Chairman, said: “ The reopening of Conon Bridge showed the willingnesss of all parties to collectively pool resources to make it happen to a very tight timescale within a strict budget, further demonstrating the importance of rail to Highland communities.”
The Highland Council Leader Drew Hendry said: “People living in this area understand the difference Conon Bridge station has made here – particularly during the Kessock Bridge works – and we are delighted to see it being recognised at a UK-wide level.”
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, added: “The delivery of the new station on-time, within budget and to such a tight timescale shows what can be achieved when organisations work together to deliver for passengers.”
Transport Scotland is upgrading Kessock Bridge to bring it in line with modern traffic standards. The first phase of the resurfacing work is now complete, with a second phase to take place between February and June next year.