Passengers Warned of January Disruption on Key Edinburgh–Fife Route
Rail users travelling between Edinburgh and Fife are being urged to check their plans well in advance as a section of the route will close next month for major electrification works.
Engineers will be on site from 17 to 25 January 2026 to install overhead line equipment between Haymarket and Dalmeny, a key stage of the wider Fife electrification project. The work includes demolishing and reconstructing several bridges at a greater height to accommodate the new infrastructure. Where bridge alterations are not possible, sections of track will be lowered instead.
The scheme forms part of a £342m investment to electrify rail routes across Fife and the Borders, funded by the Scottish Government. Once complete, the programme will allow electric trains to operate on the line, supporting greener travel while improving performance and long-term resilience of services.
To carry out the work safely and efficiently, the railway between Haymarket and Dalmeny will be closed throughout the nine-day period. Some train services will be diverted, while others will be replaced by buses. Passengers are being advised to confirm travel arrangements before setting off, either with their train operator or via National Rail Enquiries.
Network Rail Scotland says the short-term disruption is necessary to deliver long-term benefits on one of the country’s busiest rail corridors.
Catherine Hall, strategy and investment director at Network Rail Scotland said:
“This work is about future proofing one of Scotland’s busiest rail routes, paving the way for battery-electric trains. It will help increase capacity, improve reliability, and deliver more accessible, comfortable and sustainable journeys. We know there’s never an ideal time to close any part of the railway, and we appreciate the patience of passengers and local residents while these improvements take place. Our teams have planned the work carefully to keep the impact to a minimum, and we’ll continue to keep people informed every step of the way.”
Image: Network Rail