Media centre

Monday 25 Jul 2005

MAJOR TRACK IMPROVEMENT WORK TO START IN TWO WEEKS

Region & Route:

| Southern

A major project to replace more than two miles of track on the railway line between Gospel Oak and Barking will soon be underway.  An investment of £3.5 million is vital to ensure the future reliability of this important train route and to improve train performance for passengers.  Jon Wiseman, Network Rail Route Director, said: “Most of this railway line is over 40 years old and in urgent need of renewal.  This substantial investment will bring the heavily-used route in line with modern standards and allow us to keep its large number of passenger and freight trains running for years to come.” An intensive programme of work will start late in the evening of Friday 5 August and run continuously until the early morning of Monday 22 August.  It will be necessary to close sections of the railway during this period, but a team of 50 people will work around the clock to complete the job as quickly as possible.  Full bus replacement services will be provided.  Jon Wiseman continued: “In order to minimise disruption to rail passengers and local people, we have planned this job during the school summer break when a lot of people tend to go on holiday.  By working continously for 16 days, we will achieve the equivalent of three months of weekend closures and therefore reduce the overall inconvenience to all concerned.” During the 16 day work period, more than 4,000 metres of life-expired rail will be removed and replaced, along with 7,000 sleepers and 17,000 tonnes of ballast (the stone that forms the track bed).  Network Rail and contractors Balfour Beatty will be using careful working methods and specially adapted machinery to minimise any impact on lineside neighbours. Details of the planned work have been sent to local residents and local councils have been fully consulted.  A leaflet with further information - ‘Rebuilding the railway near you’ - is also available and will shortly be distributed to residents in the vicinity of the work site.  A 24 hour helpline will also be provided during the work period.  Network Rail and Silverlink Metro have worked together to ensure alternative travel arrangements are in place for any passengers wishing to travel during the work period.  Further details are available on Silverlink Metro trains, at manned stations on the route and at www.silverlink-trains.com.  Passengers are advised to allow extra time for journeys. Alternative travel information Sections of the Gospel Oak to Barking section of the North London Line will be closed to trains between Saturday 6 August and Sunday 21 August. ·         Weekdays (8-12 and 15-19 August): Silverlink Metro trains will run between Gospel Oak and South Tottenham. Bus replacement services will call at all stations between South Tottenham and Barking. ·         Weekends (6-7 and 14-15 August): No trains will run between Gospel Oak and Barking. Bus replacement services will call at all stations between Gospel Oak and Barking.  For more information or travel advice, please log on to www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.