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Thursday 8 Apr 2004

GRANTHAM – SKEGNESS ROUTE IS BACK ON TRACK

Region & Route:

Network Rail recently successfully completed a £5 million track renewal scheme on the Grantham to Skegness route.  This investment forms part of Network Rail’s continuing task of rebuilding Britain’s railways. Work included: ·        Renewal of over five miles of track with continuous welded rail at sites between Grantham and Boston ·        Replacement of approximately 6,000 sleepers between Barkston Junction and Skegness ·        Renewal of over six miles of fencing at sites between Barkston Junction and Skegness ·        Station maintenance work at Sleaford, Boston, Skegness, Ancaster, Rauceby, Hubberts Bridge and Swinehead In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently the railway line was closed for four weeks from Saturday 28 February until Monday 29 March. However the improvements now mean that the route is safeguarded for passenger and freight services. The continuous welded rail will also improve the ride quality for passengers and will reduce any disturbance to line-side neighbours.  - more - Grantham - 2 Ian Kitching, Acting Regional Engineer, Network Rail said: “ I would like to thank passengers for their understanding and patience during this work.  The temporary line closure has allowed us to carry out a vast amount of work to improve the future reliability of the route and enable freight trains to continue running to Boston.” Mark Simmonds, MP for Boston and Skegness, visited the completed works last week and added: “Without the upgrade works on the Grantham to Skegness line, Boston's ability to handle rail freight and function as a seaport would have been called into question.  “Rail freight access is an essential factor for any port competing for business, and I am pleased the upgrade works have helped to secure the Port of Boston's future.  “I would like to thank Network Rail for hosting my visit to the track and signal box at Hubbert's Bridge.”