Media centre

Wednesday 21 Apr 2004

£250,000 INVESTED AT PEASMARCH WILL BRING LONG TERM BENEFITS TO RAIL PASSENGERS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail has completed major engineering work at Peasmarch as part of its commitment to rebuild Britain’s railway.  Rail workers carried out work to significantly improve the line near Shalford station by constructing a new drainage system. The line has historically suffered from water logging problems in periods of severe weather, which has led to temporary speed restrictions being placed on the line for safety reasons. The work sees the installation reconstruction of a new half a mile250 metreers  long long, 5 ft1.3 metrer high bund hill hill. This will prevent water flooding onto the line and will improve drainage, reducing potential delays to services and thus bringing long-term benefits to passengers. In addition, drainage clearance  wasclearance was also carried out to the existing pipe work in the area.  Local lineside residents will also benefit from this work, as it will reduce natural water saturation in the gardens adjoining the railway. The Construction Partnership (a partnership between Edmund Nuttall Ltd and Network Rail) carried out the work, which was  completed on time and to budget.  All work carried out was subject to an environmental and ecological survey to ensure that protected species were not disturbed during the work.  The contractors worked to an agreed code of practice to notify residents in advance of the work and to ensure that noise and disruption to local residents was kept to an absolute minimum. The work was carried out whilst trains were running to prevent disruption to services. Network Rail’s Regional Director, Robin Gisby said: “This work forms part of Network Rail’s commitment to rebuild Britain’s railway. We appreciate that passengers using the line expect an improved service and this investment is a step to delivering the service they rightly deserve.”