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Monday 4 Oct 2004

COUNTDOWN TO CLOSURE: THREE WEEKS TO GO

Region & Route:

| Southern

Essential work to replace track equipment at Willesden Junction will take place between Saturday 23 October and Sunday 31 October 2004 (inclusive).  The crucial work will require the railway to be closed for nine days between Queen’s Park and Stonebridge Park.  This will affect Silverlink Metro passengers travelling in and out of London Euston and London Underground passengers using the northern end of the Bakerloo line.  Silverlink County and Virgin train services from Euston will not be affected. Network Rail is investing £3.5 million into the work at Willesden Junction, on this busy commuter route into London.  The nine-day closure will see several complex railway crossovers replaced, which will result in smoother, faster and more reliable journeys for passengers.  Engineers will also be taking the opportunity to carry out other essential maintenance and renewals work on the line.             Robbie Burns, Network Rail Route Director, said: “This project is essential to the safe and well-performing running of this busy stretch of railway out of London Euston.  Our engineers will be working around the clock to get this complex work done as quickly and efficiently as possible.             “The work schedule has been carefully planned to coincide with the autumn school holidays, when less people will be using the route.  However, we do apologise to any passengers who are affected and thank them for their patience while this crucial work is carried out.” - more - Willesden - 2       Network Rail has been working closely with Silverlink Metro and London Underground to ensure that alternative travel arrangements are in place for passengers travelling in and out of London.  Information and amended timetables will be available at stations along the route and further information will be published on www.silverlink-trains.com and www.tube.tfl.gov.uk. Alternative travel arrangements: ·                    No Silverlink Metro trains will run between Queen’s Park and Stonebridge Park ·                    No Bakerloo line trains will run between Queen’s Park and Harrow & Wealdstone Watford                                                 Silverlink Metro shuttle services: Stonebridge Park – Watford or                                                 Silverlink County services to Bushey, Harrow, Wembley Central & Euston       Stonebridge Park Replacement bus services: Queen’s Park - Stonebridge Park or Local bus services between Queen’s Park and Harrow & Wealdstone         Queen’s Park                                                 Silverlink Metro shuttle services: Euston – Queen’s Park or                                     Bakerloo line as far as Queen’s Park Euston or   London via Bakerloo line Some Silverlink County mainline services into and out of Euston will additionally call at Wembley Central, Harrow & Wealdstone, Bushey and Watford Junction.  In addition, valid Silverlink and London Underground tickets will be accepted on local bus services between Queen’s Park and Harrow & Wealdstone.  For further travel advice, please contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234. - more - Willesden - 3 Silverlink Metro’s Route Director, Mark Steward, commented: “Silverlink Metro is a busy line on which so many people rely, and it is important that it is maintained to a standard that enables us to run a reliable service.  By giving the track to Network Rail engineers for nine days, the work can be completed more quickly than over a number of weekends.  We are working with London Underground, London Buses and our colleagues in Silverlink County to provide comprehensive alternative travel arrangements during this period.” Penny Hazell, London Underground’s General Manager of the Bakerloo line, said: “We have been working closely with Network Rail, Silverlink and Metronet to plan for this closure.  Our joint aim is to provide our customers with viable alternatives.  This closure will mean longer travelling times over nine days planned to coincide with half term, however I know that everyone looks forward to the benefits.  This work will deliver improved reliability for everyone travelling north of Queen’s Park.”