DR KIM HOWELLS MP, MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, TO VISIT VITAL RAILWAY ENGINEERING WORK ON GREAT WESTERN MAINLINE

Monday 23 Aug 2004

DR KIM HOWELLS MP, MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, TO VISIT VITAL RAILWAY ENGINEERING WORK ON GREAT WESTERN MAINLINE

Region & Route:: National

A substantial and vital programme of work has been outlined for the holiday weekend that will continue the task of rebuilding a better performing, more efficient railway. Rail customers using the Great Western mainline between London Paddington and the Thames and Kennet Valleys are to benefit from an £8 million engineering project designed to improve the punctuality and reliability of train services. Work to install 14 sets of new, crucial, points started on Saturday 21 August and will see 100 engineers working around-the-clock to complete the project. You are invited to join Dr Kim Howells MP, Minister for Transport and Iain Coucher, Deputy Chief Executive, Network Rail at Slough as the Minister visits one of the sites of major rail engineering work to take place over the August bank holiday. You will take a tour of the site and view the equipment used including an 80 tonne track mounted Kirow crane and a gantry system used to move pre-constructed track. Where: Rendezvous at the main entrance of Slough Station When: 11am on Wednesday 25 August for around 1- 2 hours Who: Dr Kim Howells, Minister for Transport and Iain Coucher, Deputy Chief Executive, Network Rail What: Site tour, latest engineering equipment, photo and interview opportunities, refreshments. Please note you will be on a work site so appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn. Hard hats and high visibility vests will be provided. If you wish to attend please contact Donna Casey in the Network Rail Press Office on 020 7557 8292 or by emailing donna.casey@networkrail.co.uk.

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