Media centre

Thursday 12 Jun 2003

NETWORK RAIL AND LOCAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF WORK AT SHORTLANDS JUNCTION

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail today marked the completion of a major multi million pound engineering project at Shortlands Junction, near Bromley, which will bring significant improvements to train services through Kent. Councillor George Taylor, Shortlands Ward, local dignitaries and members of the community celebrated its completion with the planting of a tree. This multi million pound engineering project has removed a notorious bottleneck on the railway line that affected routes from London to the Channel Tunnel and the South East, thus improving the performance of both domestic and international services. Network Rail has worked with Geoffrey Osborne, its main contractor, to ease this bottleneck by installing a new line that passes underneath the existing Chatham Main Lines. The work started in July 2001 and from the outset Network Rail and Geoffrey Osborne have worked hard to protect the local environment and minimise disruption to local residents.  Robin Gisby, Regional Director, Network Rail said, “This is a real success story for Kent’s railways and one that should be shared with the local community. They have shown a great deal of patience and understanding throughout and I would like to thank them for their co-operation.”             Councillor George Taylor, Shortlands Ward, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment commented, “This was a long and involved project which affected many residents close to the construction site as well as rail users.  The consideration for those affected or involved has contributed to a very efficiently managed project, which is a credit to all involved. In the longer term the Council is looking forward to the improved train service benefits which the underpass should make possible.” Noise levels have been constantly monitored and Network Rail has worked in partnership with the London Borough of Bromley to ensure that noise related issues were dealt with consistently and promptly. Local wildlife was protected throughout the project and successes included: ·        The fencing off of an active badger set and a programme of regular assessments to ensure that they were not disturbed during the construction work. ·        Provision of bat boxes to make sure that the local bat populations were disturbed as little as possible. ·        Planting of 10,000 trees to create a woodland belt and provide a haven for local wildlife. ·        Landscaping of the Trees Estate and Downs Hill Estate after consultation with residents.             The cooperation and patience of local residents has been key to the success of the project.  Network Rail provided a 24hr help line to respond to residents’ questions and concerns quickly. Regular meetings were held with the local housing association, councillors and residents’ representatives to consult with them on each stage of the project. Councillor George Taylor, Shortlands Ward, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment commented, “This was a long and involved project which affected many residents close to the construction site as well as rail users.  The consideration for those affected or involved has contributed to a very efficiently managed project, which is a credit to all involved. In the longer term the Council is looking forward to the improved train service benefits which the underpass should make possible.”  Jacqui Lait, MP, commented, “ On behalf of the local community I would like to thank Network Rail for their sensitive approach to community liaison and the sympathetic handling of environmental issues.” Jane Lane-Joynt from Broomleigh Residents Association, said, “ Since the beginning of the Shortlands project there has been ongoing communication with the residents on the Broomleigh Trees Estate. Network Rail and Osbornes have kept us informed of planned work throughout and the weekly liaison meetings have meant queries can be raised on a regular basis.” Barry Elswood, Project Director, Geoffrey Osborne said, “The success at Shortlands has been on a number of levels.  Whilst the project has made excellent progress and the results achieved have been outstanding, this work has been made possible by the relationships and team spirit built throughout. Network Rail and Osborne and all the other parties involved in Shortlands embraced a culture of openness and communication that ensured the project ran smoothly and successfully”.