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Seventy of the most experienced engineering firms operating in the UK have been invited to put forward their best ideas to deliver the £425m Reading remodelling scheme. Network Rail, who is managing the Department of Transport-backed scheme, will award 25 individual work packages with values ranging between around £1m and £80m.

The scheme to double the number of train services on the Falmouth branch line has entered a vital stage. The additional 400 metres-long track, which is a key element to help deliver two trains per hour at peak period, will be installed during a massive programme of work on 13 – 17 October and 20 -24 October.

It may have been standing for over a century, but thanks to a new method of bridge replacement, the Pill Bridge, in Avonmouth was replaced by Network Rail in just eight hours. This technique, being piloted in the West Country for the first time, forms part of Network Rail’s ambitions to complete engineering work in less time.

Smoother and more reliable train journeys in Devon and Cornwall is the goal of vital annual planned rail improvement work to be carried out by Network Rail. Starting next week, essential track maintenance and renewals will begin on West Country branch lines.