Media centre

Thursday 1 Oct 2009

IMPROVING THE RAILWAY IN DEVON AND CORNWALL

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Southern: Wessex

| Wales & Western

| Southern

Engineers will begin on a £2m programme of work next week, as part of Network Rail’s annual initiative to improve the branch lines in Devon and Cornwall.

The ongoing investments aim to bring passengers a smoother and more reliable train journeys in the area.

Work will first begin on the Newquay branch line, where engineers will be working round the clock on 5 – 9 October and 12 – 16 October.  Some of the major work include renewing more than a mile of track drainage system, replacing 700 yards of rail and strengthening the bridge between Roche and Bugle.

Chris Rayner, route director, Network Rail, said: “This series of work will reduce the risk of infrastructure problems occurring on these branch lines, ultimately making trains more reliable. We have deliberately planned to carry out the improvement work during quieter travelling time to minimise any inconvenience caused to passengers. This work is vital if we are to improve the railway in the long-term.”

Once the work at Newquay is completed, engineers will move on to the following branch lines:

26 October – 30 October, Paignton branch line
- Major work include strengthening the bridge near Torquay, replacing 308 yards of rail and renewing 150 sleepers.

8 November – 14 November, Barnstaple branch line
- Major work include relaying 220 yards of track in the Eggsford area, renewing track points at Credition and strengthening the Gunstone bridge.

23 November – 27 November, Maritime branch line
- Major work include repair track drainage and ballast, renew sleepers and testing signal cables

6 December – 11 December, St Ives branch line
- Major work include repairing 88 yards of track drainage, renewing 2156 yards of rail and strengthening the railway bridge near Lelant.

Alternative services will be provided and details of these services will be available at stations.

Passengers are advised to always check journey details with the National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 before travelling.