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Tuesday 7 Mar 2017

Event for residents near Bristol Parkway on next steps to provide new and better trains to the area

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Residents living near Bristol Parkway station have been invited to a drop-in event to find out more about upcoming work to prepare the Great Western Main Line for electrification as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan to provide a bigger, better, more reliable railway for passengers.

Network Rail is carrying out essential work in and around the station to accommodate the new fleet electric trains, which will provide more seats and more room for passengers.

In addition, improvements to the signalling system will replace equipment installed in the 1960s and 70s with the latest technology, paving the way for a more reliable railway and fewer delays for passengers.

The station will remain open for the majority of the project, which began in December 2016 with the installation of foundations for the overhead line equipment that will power the new trains. The project is due for completion in 2018.

The next phase of the work includes:

• Stabilising the embankment next to the Filton Line, using a process known as soil nailing. The work is due to take place between April and August 2017.
• Repairs and track level works at Bristol Road/Hatchet Road bridge. The work is due to take place from June to August 2017.
• As the project progresses throughout the year, further work will include:
• Installing the overhead line equipment, including masts, booms and wires
• Building a fourth platform, due to be in use by December 2017.
• Extending the existing platforms
• Track works, including renewal of 2.5km of railway line

Ross Liddell, Network Rail’s sponsor for Bristol Parkway station, said: “The work at Bristol Parkway station is an essential part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and will pave the way for electric trains and the benefits these will bring to residents and passengers. These benefits include new trains with more seats and more legroom, and less noise and air pollution for those who live close to the railway line.

“The next stage of our work along the Filton East Curve embankment needs to be carried out before we can move on to building the new platform and related track. We would like to thank the local community for bearing with us while we carry out these improvements to Brunel’s railway.

“Everyone is welcome at our drop-in event and I’d urge anyone who has a question or wants to know more about our plans to come along.”

The event will take place on Tuesday, 14 March 2017 at The Old School Rooms, The Green, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8PD, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

Members of the Network Rail project team will be on-hand throughout the event to explain more about the work taking place and to answer any questions.

ENDS