Network Rail is to upgrade the signalling system and improve level crossing safety around Craigendoran in Helensburgh over the festive period.

Helensburgh is on the north shore of the Firth of Clyde, near Glasgow. The work was including in the list released at the start of this month of Christmas engineering work that Network Rail will carry out in Scotland.

Engineers will be make Geilston level crossing safer by installing a Miniature Stop Light (MSL) system starting on Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). They will carry out similar work on the privately-accessible Geilston Farm level crossing later in January, which will reduce the use of train horns in the area.

MSL systems provide red and green lights and audible warnings of trains approaching, and replace the current set-up requiring users to stop, look and listen to check if trains are coming before crossing. People may only cross when the green light is showing and no warning is sounding. If the red light remains on and the warning still sounds after the train has passed, this indicate that another train will be coming.

Engineers will also upgrade worn-out signalling equipment will be upgraded, together with its power supply, and will also improve CCTV at the level crossing.

The work, which will cost £11.1m, will mostly take place at times when train services will not be disrupted. Network Rail will complete the work between January and March 2024.

However, the railway line will close from 23:00 on Sunday 31 December until 05:25 on Wednesday 3 January, with the following impact on services:

• Trains from Fort William, Mallaig and Oban will terminate at Crianlarich, with rail replacement buses running between Crianlarich and Glasgow Queen Street.
• Caledonian Sleeper services on the West Highland Line will not run for the duration of the work.
• Services between Edinburgh Waverley and Helensburgh Central will terminate and return from Dumbarton Central on January 2.

Irfan Ahmed, project manager, Network Rail Scotland, said: “Safety is our top priority and the work we’re doing at Craigendoran will improve performance and reliability for rail passengers while providing level crossing users with clear signals about when it’s safe to cross.

“In addition, the project will extend the lifespan of the cabling, signalling equipment and CCTV in the lineside area to keep the railway reliable for years to come.

“We understand that there’s never a great time to disrupt services but would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while these vital works are completed.”