Media centre

Friday 9 Jul 2004

INVESTING IN THE RAILWAY AT BENTLEY

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Network Rail is investing millions of pounds and hundreds of working hours into improving the infrastructure between Ipswich and Manningtree.  The line in this area will be closed between 11 July and 5 September 2004 for work to the Ipswich tunnel and Network Rail is taking full advantage of the closure.  Time on the tracks, while no trains are running, is precious and these eight weeks are a great opportunity to get stuck in to lengthy and difficult jobs. The first round-the-clock job is to relay the track in and around Bentley. 1,200 tonnes of rail and 8,000 tonnes of ballast will be used.  Excavators, bulldozers and road railing machines will assist the 160 daily workers to complete the job.  Along with the new track, the foundations will be improved and a new road surface over the level crossing installed. For the work to take place, Bentley crossing will have to be closed for nine days from Sunday 18 July until the early hours of Monday 26 July.  During this time local diversions will be in place. Jon Wiseman, Network Rail Route Director said: “Being able to work on the railway for eight weeks without interruption is a rare opportunity and we are taking full advantage of it.  During this period we will relay 20,000 yards (11 and a half miles) of new track to improve the performance and ensure the continued safe performing running of this railway.” - more - Bentley  – 2 Mr Wiseman continued:  “Although the railway between Ipswich and Manningtree will be closed and the road between Bentley village and the A137 diverted, we are working with the local authorities, County Highways department and the Train Operating Companies to ensure that people will still be able to get from A to B with the least amount of disruption as possible.” While Ipswich tunnel is being worked on, Network Rail will spend £9.6m on other work.  After the track at Bentley is renewed, sleepers along other parts of the line will be replaced and more track relayed.  Network Rail is committed to rebuilding its railway network and a lot will be achieved within eight weeks and with nine million pounds!