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Thursday 3 Dec 2020

More reliable journeys for rail passengers following £4m upgrade

Region & Route:

Wales & Western

Passengers will now benefit from smoother, quieter and more reliable train journeys following a £4million investment to renew the track between Bourne End and Marlow.

Over a 16-day period, Network Rail engineers completed the multi-million-pound project to replace old, worn track with more than two miles of new railway track and sleepers, with eight level crossing surfaces also being replaced.

Several improvements were also made to the platform at Marlow station to improve passengers’ experience of using the station, including replacing the coping stones and improving the surface at the platform. 

This essential work will ensure the continued use the Marlow section of the branch line and reduce the need for multiple weekend closures in the future.

Paul Armitage, Network Rail’s project manager, said: “We are delighted to have completed this significant upgrade to the railway between Bourne End and Marlow. 

“GWR will now be able to run a more reliable train service which will be smoother for passengers and quieter for those that live next to the railway. The work also means there will be fewer disruptions for maintenance in the years ahead as the track has been substantially replaced.

“We’d like to thank passengers and those living next to the railway for their patience while we completed the work.”

GWR Station Manager for Slough and Maidenhead, Alison Hanscomb, added: “This work enables us to continue to provide vital rail services for the local community.

“We have been working hard to make sure that people can be confident to travel safely, and that includes running as many trains and carriages as we can to make extra room, as well as enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures.      

“Please do, however, plan ahead, reserve a seat and be considerate of others.”

Chairman of Little Marlow Parish Council, Councillor Valerie Brownridge, commented: “The local community welcomes the huge investment which Network Rail has made in the railway line between Bourne End and Marlow, and that both passengers and those who live by the railway will benefit greatly from the upgrade.”