Media centre

Wednesday 8 Dec 2004

CHRISTMAS ENGINEERING WORK – THE REBUILDING OF THE RAILWAY GOES ON

Region & Route:

| Southern

Engineering work in East Anglia over Christmas was announced today by Network Rail. Each year the region’s railway closes on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with the exception of airport and international services, which can run on Boxing Day.  Each Christmas the company takes advantage of this traditional two-day closure to carry out an extensive programme of engineering work.  Announcing this year’s work, Jon Wiseman, Network Rail Route Director, 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 the engineering work is taking place when there are no scheduled train services, but some jobs in the region will continue outside the traditional two-day period (see Notes to Editors).   Carefully planned alternative travel arrangements will help keep any disruption to a minimum. Mr Wiseman 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 causing very little disruption to train services.” Passengers are advised to contact National Rail Enquiries for further travel information on 08457 48 49 50 or consult the National Rail website at www.nationalrail.co.uk.