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Wednesday 4 Oct 2023

Network Rail urges residents to sign up for email alerts about railway work close to homes

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

A new digital system to let communities know about work taking place on the railway near their homes has been launched across Network Rail’s Western route, which runs from Paddington to Penzance. 

Residents and businesses can register online to receive email updates by simply visiting Network Rail’s website at networkrail.co.uk/sign-up.  

The newsletters will contain all the latest information, including videos and photos, about upgrades and essential work on the railway – from track renewals to station enhancements.  

Network Rail’s Wales and Western region is the first on the rail network to offer the service, which has proved popular during trials with residents in Oxford where almost 2,000 people are now receiving digital updates by email. 

Currently, properties close to the railway receive letters by post to notify them of work but Network Rail hopes switching to digital bulletins will provide a faster, more cost effective and up-to-date service. It is due to be rolled out across the country over the coming months. 

Residents who sign up will be sent information about work close by and the new system will also allow anyone with an interest in the railway to sign up for news on major projects across the Western route.  These include the expansion of Oxford station, resilience work on the South Devon coast, upgrades to Bristol Temple Meads station, progress on major railway projects in the Bristol area and track renewals in Cornwall. 

A QR code (a type of two-dimensional, square barcode) is included in current notification letters and on the Western route’s social media channels to help people sign up easily and quickly. 

Network Rail’s head of communications for the Wales and Western region Richard Griffiths said: “Offering a digital alternative to the thousands of letters we send out every year is a step-change in how we engage with our communities and keep people updated about our railway works. If you live near the railway, I encourage you to sign up so that they know what to expect when our teams are working close by.  

“Our newsletters will have all the information you need, including dates, shift times, expected noise levels, and advice on related road or footpath closures and planned disruption to train services. 

 “Switching to digital is not only environmentally friendly and more cost effective, it means we can communicate quickly so we can keep our neighbours in the picture about last-minute changes or emergency work that may affect them, too. 

“Those residents who choose not to sign up will continue to receive updates in the post, so people without access to the internet or who prefer letters will not miss out.” 

The new system is due to be rolled out across the country over the next six to 12 months, so residents in some areas may still receive postal notifications until it is fully up and running.