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Thursday 11 Jan 2007

MORE INVESTMENT FOR MERSEYSIDE

Region & Route:

Passengers travelling through Waterloo will soon benefit from smoother and quieter journeys after Network Rail has completed track renewals. Network Rail is spending over £500,000 to replace approximately 1,000 yards of track on the Northern line with continuously welded rail, which will end the familiar “clackety-clack” sound. Jo Kaye, Area General Manager said: “This is another example of the high level of investment Network Rail is making in the Merseyside area. We have committed £72 million over the next two years to operating and maintaining the Merseyrail network to help ensure it remains one of the best performing networks in the country. “This scheme will have long-term benefits for passengers and the industry alike. Passengers will notice a smoother, quieter ride as jointed track is replaced with continuous lengths of rail, there will be less wear and tear on the trains themselves and the new track will be less susceptible to defects and failures.” To cause minimal disruption to rail users, the majority of the work is being carried out over weekends and will be completed by the end of the month. The line will be closed between Sandhills and Formby from 00.30 each Sunday and will re-open at 05.30 each Monday. Merseyrail will be operating a rail replacement service between during these times. Broke Hall Road and St John’s Road level crossings will also be closed during these periods. A diversionary route will be in place. During the work:

• 1,990 yards of rail will be laid
• 1,393 sleepers will be replaced
• 3,622 tons of ballast will be replaced
• The work will be carried out over 3,240 man hours

Passengers are advised to contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or go to www.nationalrail.co.uk for details of rail replacement services.