Media centre

Friday 16 Jan 2004

NETWORK RAIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE SAYS THANK YOU TO STAFF FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF CHRISTMAS ENGINEERING PROGRAMME

Region & Route:

National

A major step towards rebuilding the nation’s railway was taken by Network Rail and its contractors over the festive period as the company took advantage of the traditional two-day closure of the railway to carry out an extensive programme of engineering work.             Work was carried out at over100 locations across the country with every worksite handed back for normal train operation on or before the planned time with all work completed successfully.                To make this possible tens of thousands of railway staff across Britain gave up their Christmas dinner to deliver the numerous maintenance, renewal and upgrade projects that will help produce the safe, reliable and efficient railway passengers deserve.  Disruption to passengers was kept to a minimum with carefully planned alternative arrangements.                Network Rail Chief Executive, John Armitt, said  “I would like to say a personal thank you both to all the railway staff who worked over Christmas and also to their families. “Whilst the festive break gave us an unprecedented opportunity to get access to the tracks I realise it is also an important time for families and appreciate the sacrifices made. “I am confident that this dedication will continue throughout the next year as we continue to improve our railway.” - more - Xmas success – 2                Some of the major works carried out throughout the festive period were: Great Western Main Line closed (Taunton-Tiverton), Thurs 25 –Tue 30 December (inc): ·        Major track renewals work and major repairs to Whiteball Tunnel. West Coast Main Line closed (Stockport-Manchester), Thurs 25 –Tue 30 December (inc): ·         Throughout last year extensive work to renew and modernise the signalling control equipment just South of Manchester Piccadilly station was undertaken.  Over the Christmas period the new signalling was brought into operational use during a six day commissioning, resulting in the closure of the line between Manchester Piccadilly and Stockport West Coast Main Line closed (Stafford - Crewe): December – Thurs 1 January (inc): ·         Extensive track renewals and signalling works.  East Coast Main Line closed (at Welwyn Garden City), Thurs 25 – Sun 28 December (inc): ·         Major points renewal and replacement work at Welwyn Garden City.  Sussex Coast main lines closed (at Clapham Junction), Thurs 25 – Sat 27 December (inc): ·         A major project at Clapham Junction to replace a bridge spanning all four railway lines between London and the South. Mr Armitt continued. “It is railway tradition at Christmas to take advantage of the two-day break, to carry out essential work whilst causing very little disruption to train services.  This year we have been very successful and delivered large quantities of quality engineering work on time and within budget.  We have a long way to go but successes like this will deliver tangible improvements for passengers.”