UK: BAM was appointed principal contractor for the £170m first phase of the Aberdeen – Inverness Improvement Project on October 16, working with Aecom, CH2M, Stobart Rail and Siemens.
AIIP is intended to enable ScotRail to operate a half-hourly commuter service between Aberdeen and Inverurie, with additional peak services between Inverness and Elgin.
Ground investigation, site surveys and vegetation clearance are already underway, with main construction scheduled to begin in spring 2016 for completion in 2019. The scope of the project includes double-tracking the 26 km between Aberdeen and Inverurie, signalling upgrades, building a new station at Forres and straightening the alignment, and platform extensions at Insch and Elgin.
Provision will be made for proposed stations at Dalcross and Kintore which would be funded separately, and a second phase of the upgrade project is to be developed.
‘Today marks the Scottish Government's landmark investment package of £170m to improve a key route connecting both northern cities, which will make journeys shorter, more frequent and more comfortable for those who use this important line regularly’, said Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment & Cities Keith Brown.
