Friday 20 Mar 2009
NORTH DEVON BRANCH LINE IMPROVED
- Region & Route:
- Wales & Western: Western
- | Wales & Western
This latest programme of work is part of Network Rail’s ongoing commitment to improve the reliability of passenger services on the Barnstaple-Exeter branch line.
During this period, a series of renewal and maintenance work will be delivered by Network Rail engineers. About 750 yards of life-expired rail and points will be replaced and upgraded; railway bridges near Crediton and Yeoford will be strengthened and new level crossing equipment will be installed at Eggesford.
Chris Rayner, route director for Network Rail, said: "This ongoing improvement work will bring tremendous benefit to passengers and the possibility for enhanced services in the future. We have worked closely with First Great Western to plan the engineering 18 months in advance to minimise any potential inconvenience caused to passengers.”
Julian Crow, First Great Western's regional manager, said: "The Exeter – Barnstaple line now has an hourly train service and is carrying record numbers of passengers at much improved levels of reliability. We are sorry for the disruption that it will cause, but this engineering work is needed to ensure that the reliability of the service is maintained and improved. We have worked closely with Network Rail to minimise the impact on our customers' journeys and have provided alternative services to bring passengers to their destinations."
Alternative services will be provided and details of these services will be available at stations. Customers are advised to check journey details with the National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 before travelling.
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We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.
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