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Monday 30 Apr 2007

POTTERS BAR REVAMP GETS LIFT OFF

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

| Southern

Network Rail's eight-week facelift of Potters Bar station reached a key phase this weekend as the old 140 tonne concrete canopies were lifted out of the station by a 1,000 tonne crane.

The canopies, which were originally designed and installed in the 1950s, have reached the end of their working life and will be replaced with a new steel frame structure which will support the steel sheeting roof. The old canopies will be recycled.

The £2.5 million facelift also includes a raft of improvements to the station buildings, including replacing windows, doors and the facia, and installing new platform lighting.

Network Rail Route Director Dyan Crowther said: "As the national rail infrastructure operator, we are committed to investing in the rail network to improve facilities for passengers. The improvements at Potters Bar represent a significant investment, which will result in a more modern, pleasant environment for rail passengers and staff at the station." Work began on 8 and 9 April and will continue on eight successive weekends. To minimise disruption to passengers, Network Rail has arranged for the work to be carried out in conjunction with a range of maintenance and renewal tasks on the line, however it will be necessary to close the station whilst work is carried out and bus replacement services will be in operation.