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Thursday 27 Nov 2008

CHRISTMAS IMPROVEMENT WORK: NETWORK RAIL INVEST £8M AT CLAPHAM JUNCTION TO BOOST SERVICE PERFORMANCE AND RELIABLITY

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Network Rail is investing £8m on extensive track improvement work in the Clapham Junction area this Christmas and New Year to boost train service performance and reliability for passengers.

From 24 December 2008 to 4 January 2009 inclusive, Network Rail contractors will renew track, replace points and refurbish the retaining wall downside of the station.

The main lines through Clapham Junction will remain open during the period, with fewer train services running to and from Clapham Junction and a revised timetable operating on some routes.

During this time, pre-cast concrete lift shaft walls will also be installed at Clapham Junction station in readiness for the future installation of 9 new passenger lifts, which will improve station access for people with reduced mobility. Each lift will accommodate up to 16 people and will be fitted with closed circuit television and telephone links. The lifts, expected to be commissioned later in 2009, are funded by the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme

Network Rail, working with South West Trains, Southern and London Overground, has planned the improvement works for the Christmas holiday period; the quietest time of the year when rail passenger numbers are lower than normal levels. This will enable Network Rail to carry out a programme of improvement work to help build a bigger and better railway, whilst minimising any inconvenience for rail travellers.

Robin Gisby, director operations and customer service at Network Rail, said: "The work at Clapham Junction station is essential and is part of an overall programme of improvement work taking place around the country between Christmas and the New Year. It will deliver real benefits to passengers using the station.”

Ian Johnston, customer service director at South West Trains, said: “We ask passengers to bear with us while Network Rail carries out this essential engineering work at Clapham Junction. We want to emphasise that the mainline is open, but services between Barnes and Clapham Junction will be affected so please check before you plan your journey.”

Passengers are strongly advised to check their Christmas travel arrangements with www.nationalrail.co.uk, by calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or by checking the websites of South West Trains, Southern and Transport for London.