Media centre

Wednesday 8 Dec 2004

CHRISTMAS ENGINEERING WORK – THE REBUILDING OF THE RAILWAY GOES ON

Region & Route:

| Southern

The main engineering work to take place in the South East over the Christmas period was announced today by Network Rail. Each year the railway closes on Christmas Day and Boxing Day – except for a few Southeastern Trains services, which run on Boxing Day (see Notes to Editors for details).  And each Christmas break the company takes advantage of this traditional two-day closure to carry out an extensive programme of engineering work.  Announcing this year’s work, John Armitt, Network Rail’s Chief Executive, said: “This Christmas will be busier than ever for Network Rail, its staff and contractors, as our job to rebuild the railway continues.  “Tens of thousands of dedicated railway staff will be hard at work, nationwide, over the festive break, forgoing their Christmas dinners and time with their families to undertake massive engineering tasks, helping to deliver a better performing railway.” The majority of engineering work is taking place when there are no scheduled train services. A near to normal service will operate on Christmas Eve, although some services may terminate early. There will be NO train services on Christmas Day and only a few services (see notes to editors) on Boxing day.  Gatwick Express will be replaced by a coach service on Christmas and Boxing Day. Timetables until Tuesday 4 January are subject to alterations, with most train operating companies offering Saturday or Sunday services.  Passengers are advised to contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 for travel information or consult the following train operating company websites: www.setrains.co.uk, www.swtrains.co.uk, www.southernrailway.com. Mr Armitt added: “This is the railway’s own Christmas tradition. By taking advantage of the two-day Christmas break, we can do large amounts of essential work while minimising disruption to train services.”