Funicular Railway at Cairngorm to Close for Maintenance

The Cairngorm funicular railway, the UK’s highest, will stop service for three weeks starting 12 May to complete essential annual maintenance, inspections, and viaduct repairs. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd confirmed the closure, while Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) explained that work was moved from November to reduce visitor disruption. The resort will stay open daily.

Don’t miss…London St. Pancras Highspeed to invest £300m in upgrades

Funicular Repairs Include Viaduct Works and Safety Checks

Balfour Beatty, contracted by HIE, will carry out viaduct remediation and infrastructure inspections during the closure. Tasks include gearbox servicing, undercarriage lubrication, and rail weld testing.

Engineers will also conduct rail grinding to ensure optimal performance. The plan aims to maintain long-term safety and minimize future disruptions to the funicular railway service.

The railway, opened in 2001 at a cost of £19.5 million, connects Aviemore’s base station to a summit restaurant and ski area 1,097 meters (3,599 feet) high on Cairn Gorm.

Funicular History Involves Major Investments and Challenges

Operations were suspended in 2018 due to structural concerns, leading to a £25 million repair program launched in 2021.

Delays caused by the pandemic, weather, and supply shortages extended the project. Engineers airlifted 800 tonnes of concrete and carefully restored terrain to avoid damaging sensitive peatlands.

The funicular reopened in January 2023 but paused again in August for adjustments. It resumed full service in February 2024 and now prepares for its first annual maintenance cycle since reopening.

HIE emphasized that preventive upkeep protects this vital transport and tourism asset. By addressing mechanical and structural needs early, they ensure the railway remains safe and appealing year-round.

Source, photo: www.bbc.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: