A railway line through Perthshire has been closed as engineers assess the safety of a flood-hit crossing.
River levels on the Allan Water surged at the Mill O’Keir viaduct near Dunblane at the weekend as the region was hit with more heavy rain and snow.
The railway line has been closed between Perth and Stirling since Sunday after Network Rail engineers found damage to the nose of one of the crossing’s piers.
Specialist divers have been called in to assess the level of structural damage. They had to wait until water levels reduced before examining the bridge.
Trains between Glasgow and Perth have been cancelled.
⚠️ℹ️ Travelling this evening? Due to the heavy flooding between #Perth and #Stirling, buses may replace trains for part or all of your journey. Full information below. pic.twitter.com/0Z0UphqYup
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) February 24, 2020
On Monday afternoon Network Rail posted: “Water levels at Mill O’Keir Viaduct have now dropped enough to allow our engineers to inspect it safely.
“With levels rising 2ft above the red safety level, the sheer force of the water has damaged the nose of one of the piers.
“Our specialist divers also need to check for damage at the base of the pier, below the waterline. We’re working hard to assess and repair the damage so that we can reopen the railway. Thanks for your patience.”
Water levels at Mill O’Keir Viaduct have now dropped enough to allow our engineers to inspect it safely. With levels rising 2ft above the red safety level, the sheer force of the water has damaged the nose of one of the piers. pic.twitter.com/FWCR5UEtCq
— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) February 24, 2020
A ScotRail statement reads: “Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Stirling and Perth the line is closed. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
“Train services between Glasgow Queen Street and Perth will be cancelled.
Perthshire and Angus schools close due to ‘severe weather’ as winter conditions hit
“Replacement coaches are operating a shuttle service between Stirling and Perth calling at all stations.”
Flooding first caused problems at Mill O’Keir last Friday.
A decision on whether the bridge is safe for trains to cross is expected to be made later.
It comes after heavy snow hit Perthshire and Angus on Monday.
