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Network Rail has awarded a contract to Balfour Beatty Rail for the upgrade of a 12-mile section of the Great Western main line between West Drayton and Maidenhead to enable Crossrail services to operate.

There are 85 places available on the 2013 Network Rail advanced apprenticeship scheme in the south and south west of England, the company announced today.

Network Rail has begun work on a £45m project to upgrade the railway route and infrastructure between Swindon and Gloucester via Kemble and Stroud.

Network Rail today committed to continuing the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era, reducing costs and delivering more passengers on time than ever before – but also warned that tough decisions need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges.

Network Rail today committed to continue the biggest investment in the West of England's railway since the Victorian era, reducing costs and delivering more passengers on time than ever before - but also warned that tough choices need to be made if the industry is to meet these competing challenges.

• Five-year plan continues biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era
• £9bn investment includes electrification of the Great Western main line, paving the way for new trains and more seats

Three rail bridges in Slough and Hillingdon were demolished over the Christmas break as part of preparations for the arrival of new electric Crossrail trains.

Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris today (Friday 21 December) officially opened Britains first grade II listed plastic footbridge at Dawlish station.