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Tuesday 14 Feb 2006

IMPROVEMENTS TO BUXTON LINE

Region & Route:

Passengers on the Buxton to Manchester line are set to benefit from more punctual services, thanks to a £2 million track relaying project by Network Rail.  The work, which will require the closure of the line between Buxton and Hazel Grove for six days from Monday 20 February, will remove temporary speed restrictions on the line covering over two miles of track.  These had been necessary because of the effect of heavy freight trains and passenger services. The main work activity will take place in the Chapel-en-le-Frith/Coombs area and will involve removing the track, scarifying the ballast (breaking up the surface of the grey stone chippings that the track sits on), embedding new steel sleepers into the ballast and fixing new continuously welded rail to the sleepers. The second worksite is on the Disley side of New Mills Newtown station, where two short sections of track are being renewed. The use of continuously welded rail ensures a smoother ride for train passengers and causes less wear and tear on the train wheels and tracks itself. While the work is going on, train operator Northern Rail will be running a combination of express and stopping bus services between Buxton and Hazel Grove.