NETWORK Rail have confirmed the complete closure of the line between Kilmarnock and Carlisle for nine days due to bridge works in Mauchline and Annan from Saturday.

A replacement bus service will be in operation until Sunday, July 23 affecting commuters in Auchinleck, New Cumnock, Kirkconnel and Sanquhar.

Over four miles of track is being replaced at locations between Mauchline and Dumfries while strengthening works are taking place on two bridges over Ayr Road, Mauchline and at Annan Viaduct.

Network Rail have said the works cannot be done without the short term closure of the line.

Lindsay Saddler, head of maintenance delivery for the ScotRail Alliance, said: “The work we are undertaking is vital for the longterm future reliability of the line and part of our commitment to delivering the best railway Scotland has ever had.

“Our engineers will be working around-the-clock to complete this complex programme as quickly as possible. We understand the inconvenience these works will cause to some passengers, residents and motorists and we are working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.”

Additional track works will also be carried out on Sundays well into August with buses replacing trains between Kilmarnock and Dumfries on July 30 and August 6, 13, 20 and 27.