Media centre

Wednesday 1 Mar 2006

NETWORK RAIL SPEEDS UP SETTLE – CARLISLE LINE WORK

Region & Route:

Network Rail has announced its intention to accelerate its planned track renewals work on the Settle and Carlisle line, helping to secure the future of the route. Originally scheduled for later this year, part of the renewals programme is now set to start on Monday 6 March and will last four weeks. During this time, Network Rail will be working closely with train operator Northern Rail to ensure passengers can continue to travel, through a combination of amended train services and replacement coaches and buses. Network Rail is also working with freight operators to ensure that these services can be delivered to customers using alternative rail routes. The work will address wear and tear on significant sections of the line, and has been brought forward following expert engineering assessment. Explained Area General Manager Gary Openshaw from Network Rail: “Major investment in large-scale track renewals planned for this route has now been brought forward.  This vital work will help to secure the future of this key rail artery. “I sincerely apologise to everyone affected by the late notice of this essential work and the inconvenience it will cause.  Network Rail will continue to work closely with Northern Rail and other train operators to ensure passengers and freight services can continue their journeys over the four weeks of this project.” During the work, train operator Northern will be operating the following revised services: Trains - Revised service between Leeds and Skipton, with most services extended to Hellifield - Revised service between Appleby and Carlisle -more- Bus/Coach - Skipton to Carlisle, calling at all intermediate stations. There will also be an express bus service * Customers travelling between Leeds and Carlisle may wish to consider alternative routes via Lancaster and Preston. Revised timetables are currently in production and will be available at local stations from Saturday onwards.             Commented Northern Rail’s Commercial Director Chris Kimberley: “Our main aim will be to help passengers complete their journeys, keeping any disruption during this essential work to an absolute minimum, though inevitably some journey times will be extended.” Pete Shaw on behalf of the Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line added: “While it is disappointing that the line is going to have to close for this work to be carried out, it does ensure the long-term future of the line, which is all important. Given the fact that not so long ago the line was in danger of closing for ever, the need to upgrade the track is testament to a remarkable turnaround in its prospects.”