Rail travel between Dundee and Aberdeen will be disrupted over the next three weekends to allow work on a £3 million upgrade of the line.
The line will be closed for three consecutive Sundays January 16, 23 and 30 with replacement buses running on those days.
The extensive track renewal and civil engineering works are expected to help reduce the potential impact of severe wet weather on the route.
Network Rail will be undertaking the series of earthwork, drainage and stabilisation projects and removing encroaching vegetation to help guard against landslips and rockfalls. Sections of track will also be renewed.
Replacement bus services will be provided by ScotRail between Dundee and Aberdeen, Carnoustie and Dundee and Carnoustie and Arbroath.
David Simpson, Network Rail’s route director for Scotland, said, “This investment and maintenance programme is essential to the continued running of a reliable rail network.
“Closing the line allows us to complete our enhancements quickly and efficiently and to avoid disruption to the working week on the line between two such important commercial centres,” Mr Simpson added.
Jacqueline Dey, ScotRail operations director, added, “We have done everything possible to keep inconvenience to an absolute minimum.
“Full plans are in place to provide alternative transport arrangements where they are required.”