Media centre

Friday 12 Sep 2008

NETWORK RAIL TRACK INVESTMENTS TO BRING LINE UP TO SPEED

Region & Route:

Network Rail is set to invest a further £5m in track improvements by beginning work on the Blackburn to Clitheroe railway line in November.

The aim of the scheme is to improve the current speed limits imposed on sections of the line. Currently some areas of the track are restricted to a 20mph speed limit. Following the completion of the work trains will be able to travel at the normal line speed of up to 45mph.

The current jointed track through Whalley, Clitheroe and Holgates will be replaced by continuously welded rail which provides a smoother, quieter ride. This track will be laid on 16,000 new concrete or steel sleepers and embedded in 40,000 tonnes of ballast.

It is expected that 650 yards of track will be laid a day, which is the equivalent of an entire weekend’s work. Therefore Network Rail is improving its efficiencies by 20%. In total 11,661 yards of track will be completely revamped providing passengers with a more comfortable and reliable journey.

Peter Strachan, Network Rail’s route director acknowledged that this work will cause disruptions to regular passengers. ‘‘I would like to thank people for their patience during this time. Ultimately we are aiming to develop our service and ensure that our performance in this area is improved. This small inconvenience will benefit passengers in the long run by improving the performance and reliability of their train services’’.

The main contractor, Babcock, will have approximately 30 staff working on a site at any one time. A 24hr continuous shift pattern will be put in place so that work can be completed on time. Sixty engineering trains will be used to move materials to and from the site so there will be no additional traffic, such as heavy duty lorries, on the rural roads.

In order for the work to be carried out the line will be closed from 12pm Saturday 8th November. The line will resume normal service on Wednesday 26th November at 5am. During this time the local train operator, Northern, is providing alternative road transport between the affected stations.

Passengers are advised to contact National Rail Enquiries on 0845 484950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for more information.

Alternatively passengers can contact the train operator, Northern, on 0845 0000125 or visit their website; www.northernrail.org Passengers can also find information on www.ribblevalleyrail.co.uk.