Network Rail has begun work on the new station at Conon Bridge.
The station and car park, which will be completed by early February next year, is being delivered by Network Rail and ScotRail in alliance with Transport Scotland, HITRANS and The Highland Council.
The new facility will be open in time to help mitigate the impact of the closure of the Kessock Road Bridge from February 2013.
The project will include the construction of a new 15 metre platform, a waiting shelter, passenger information systems and cycle racks and lockers at the station by Network Rail and ScotRail, while The Highland Council will construct the car park and enhance the road access and street lighting at the station.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “Inverness is the economic heart of the Highlands and Islands and an efficient route into the city for commuters is vital. In order to ease congestion, both during the essential Kessock Bridge repairs and beyond, we are encouraging motorists to look at alternative means of travel.
“Additional capacity is being provided on train services during the works and the re-opening of Conon Bridge station will make it easier for people to access these. With £1.8 million being invested in measures to ease congestion during these works, the message is very much that Inverness remains open for business.”
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: “Rail travel continues to grow in popularity across Scotland and we are pleased to be reconnecting the community in Conon Bridge to the rail network.
“We understand how keenly the reopening of this station has been anticipated, and the important role it will play in helping provide travel alternatives during the Kessock Bridge works, and our engineers will work as quickly as possible to deliver this new facility.“
Located between Muir of Ord and Dingwall on the Far North rail line, the reopening of the station will re-establish rail access for the local community after a gap of more than five decades.
Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, said: “Not only is the re-opening of the station vital to lessen the impact of the Kessock Bridge works, it will also give locals in Conon Bridge and the surrounding area more opportunity to travel by train in the future.”
Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry, added: “Rail is playing an increasingly important role for commuters travelling to Inverness and is a key component of sustainable travel as we move forward into the future. Network Rail is to be congratulated on the reopening of Conon Bridge railway station with assistance from The Highland Council and Scottish Government. This is a big step forward for the Conon catchment residents and will be of significant help in mitigating the effect of reduced capacity on the road network with the forthcoming works on the Kessock Bridge.”
