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Friday 30 Sep 2016

£48m railway investment comes to East Nottinghamshire

Region & Route:

| Eastern

A £48million investment in East Nottinghamshire’s railway continues this weekend as signalling upgrades near completion.

The latest phase of the Railway Upgrade Plan will see the modernisation of the signalling as well as a number of level crossing upgrades.

Old-style mechanical signals on the line between Lowdham and Newark will be replaced with state-of-the-art digital models, with signalling control moving from lineside signal boxes to the East Midlands Control Centre in Derby.

Gary Walsh, area director for Network Rail in the East Midlands, said: “A big part of our Railway Upgrade Plan is to introduce modern signalling which creates a more reliable railway as well as reducing the cost of running trains. I’d like to thank those living near the railway for their patience while we undertake this vital investment, and remind passengers to allow slightly more time to reach their platform while the work takes place.”

Andrew Conroy, Customer Experience Director for East Midlands Trains said: "This is a vital piece of work that will allow improved reliability on trains running through Nottinghamshire. Whilst work takes place we will be running replacement buses between Newark Northgate and Nottingham and would advise customers to check for travel information at eastmidlandstrains.co.uk".

Upgrades will also take place at several level crossings, with the following closed to road traffic as specified.

• Lowdham and Bleasby level crossing is currently closed until 8am on Monday, 3 October.

• Morton and Rolleston will be closed from 2am on Saturday, 8 October until 8am on Monday, 24 October.

• Fiskerton will be closed from 2pm on Saturday, 8 October until 1am on Saturday, 22 October.

• Staythorpe will be closed from 2am on Saturday, 22 October until 8am on Monday, 7 November.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at these crossings throughout the closures, but passengers are advised that if they need to cross the railway at Lowdham, Fiskerton or Rolleston to catch a train they should allow extra time to reach the platform.

Work will also be taking place to lengthen platforms at Lowdham and Fiskerton stations from later in the year.

Network Rail experts will be on hand to answer questions about the upgrade a Newark Town Hall on Thursday, 27 October between 5pm and 7pm.

Anyone with concerns about the project can call Network Rail’s 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Changes to East Midlands Trains services

On Saturday 1 October, Sunday 2 October, Sunday 23 October, Saturday 5 November and Sunday 6 November buses will replace trains on the Lincoln to Nottingham route between Newark Northgate and Nottingham. Check your journey online at eastmidlandstrains.co.uk.