Monday 8 Jun 2009
RAIL IMPROVEMENT PLANS FOR TARKA LINE EXHIBITED
- Region & Route:
- | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders
- | Wales & Western
The public will get to find out more about the benefits of the new system and the changes made to earlier plans based on feedback gathered from local authorities and the community.
Ten out of the 12 locations, where the vital line-side masts will be built, have been moved to minimise their visual impact. The majority of these masts have also been re-designed into a ‘slimline monopole’ structure, which will be half the height of the original 30metres “lattice” designs.
Jon Wiseman, programme director, Network Rail said: “The feedback received has helped us a lot in shaping the final plan exhibited today. With that we have made a lot of adjustments to address the key concern of the visual impact of the masts. It is a balancing act as the new locations will also have to fulfil several vital technical criteria for the system to work.”
“There are huge benefits to this system and especially on the Tarka Line where we are seeing significant improvements in recent years. We hope this scheme will help continue this momentum and bring even more benefits to passengers in the area.”
The new railway system will improve the reliability and performance of train services, enabling continuous and real-time communication between train drivers and back-room operators. By providing 100% wireless communication coverage, the system is also key to helping the industry deliver a safe railway.
The Tarka Line has grown in capacity year upon year with more than a 50% increase in passenger numbers since 2003 and a new timetable was introduced in December 2008, delivering an hourly service and 14 trains each way (Monday – Saturday) to the line. Reliability of the infrastructure has also improved with Network Rail's investment in renewing life-expired infrastructure.
The exhibition will continue over the next three days at the following locations:
Monday, 10 June, 3-8pm, Village Hall, Yeoford
Tuesday 9 June, 3-8pm, Old Town Hall, Crediton
Wednesday 10 June, 4-8pm, Umberleigh Village Hall
Thursday 11 June, 4-8pm, Chulmleigh Community College
There will be representatives from Network Rail at the exhibitions to answer any questions. Members of public may also contact Network Rail’s National Helpline on 08457 11 41 41 for more information.
Notes to editors
Key factors that help to determine the final location include: 1. Maintaining 100% coverage for the railway communication system to be effective 2. All sites are built on Network Rail’s land, which limits available locations for build 3. Visual impact 4. Access to a fixed electricity supply 5. Proximity to sensitive land uses 6. Safe accessibility during construction and maintenance The benefits of the new Railway Communication System are enormous: Improved safety – In the event of an incident all trains in the area will now be able to stop immediately. More reliable – Train drivers and station staff will be able to provide passengers with more accurate up-to-date information on levels of service. Improved punctuality – Minor incidents on the network will now be able to be resolved quicker which will mean long delays will be avoided.Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Network Rail press office -Western route
MediaRelationsWestern@networkrail.co.uk
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