Media centre

Thursday 15 May 2025

Network Rail urges lineside residents across the North West to sign up for digital work notifications as summer approaches

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

With summer on the horizon and windows likely to be kept open, now is the perfect time for our lineside neighbours to sign up to receive timely information about upcoming work in their area.  

Our digital notification system provides a faster way to inform residents about planned work that can be viewed at the touch of a button. This service will be especially beneficial during the summer months when the sound of essential railway maintenance may be more noticeable with windows open.  

Residents can subscribe to the free notification service by visiting networkrail.co.uk/sign-up, receiving the same information traditionally sent by letter but delivered directly to their inbox.  

By signing up to our new digital notification service you will be better informed of the work activities taking place and we can provide you with faster real time information including late notice changes about planned works.  You will also be able to receive general information, regional updates about Network Rail, including safety communications and surveys so you can provide feedback or comments to help us improve our services to you.

Updates include key details such as work dates, expected noise levels, potential road or footpath closures, and any disruptions to train services. 

Emma Harding, Network Rail's head of communications in the North West, said: "Currently, we keep residents updated on work that may impact them by writing to their home. Switching to a digital notification system allows us to be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. 

"As the summer months approach and more people sleep with windows open, being aware of planned railway work becomes even more important. A great advantage of this digital service is its ability to provide residents with real-time updates, especially in cases of last-minute changes or emergency work. I'd encourage everyone who lives by the railway to sign up to this service." 

The initiative has already seen success in early trials across various regions, with almost 2,000 residents nationally now subscribed to receive email alerts. This reduces reliance on traditional postal notifications while ensuring faster, more comprehensive updates. 

Residents without internet access will continue to receive postal notifications to ensure everyone remains informed. These letters now include a QR code, making it easier to sign up for the digital service. 

For more information or to sign up for digital notifications, visit networkrail.co.uk/sign-up.