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Friday 18 Mar 2005

EASTER WILL DELIVER EGG-CELLENT RAILWAY IMPROVEMENTS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Taking advantage of the Easter bank holiday weekend, Network Rail is pouring resources and money into a full programme of essential engineering work. Peter Leppard, Network Rail Route Director said: “Network Rail is committed to rebuilding the railway and Easter is a good opportunity as there are fewer people using the trains. All of our resources will be employed in carrying out these essential improvements which will increase performance, bringing long-term benefits to passengers.” An extensive programme of signalling, track renewals and track foundation work will be carried out in the Reading area across the bank holiday weekend, with many services diverted along an alternative route. Lines between Reading, Newbury and Bedwyn will be closed for track maintenance from Good Friday to the early hours of Tuesday 29 March to allow more than 800 yards of track to be relayed. Train services will be replaced by buses between Reading, Newbury and Bedwyn stations. Lines between Reading and Basingstoke will also be closed from Good Friday until the early hours of Tuesday 29 March with First Great Western Link operating replacement bus services. The work has been specifically programmed around the Easter holidays to ensure peak travel periods are largely unaffected. This engineering work has been planned in consultation with Network Rail’s customers, the train and freight operating companies. Passengers are advised to check their travel arrangements with National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or individual operators before making their journey.