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Wednesday 13 Aug 2014

Rail upgrade reaches Bassetlaw and Doncaster

Region & Route:

Rail passengers are reminded of a fortnight of changes to train travel on the line between Doncaster and Gainsborough as the next stage of improvement work to the Great Northern Great Eastern (GNGE) line start this Saturday (16 August).

The work is the next phase of investment to transform the GNGE line between Peterborough and Doncaster via Gainsborough.

Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, explained: “The GNGE line is an important route for both freight and passenger trains. Demand for rail services continues to grow and the upgrade of this line is an important project to help meet that demand.

“During just 16 days our engineers will replace and repair bridges and lower tracks, so modern, taller containers can travel along the line. Work on the highways over three level crossings will mean they can be upgraded with modern technology later this year.

“This is an essential element of our continuing investment in Britain’s railway. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience to passengers during this time, and thank the local community for their support while we transform the GNGE line.”

No trains will run between Doncaster and Gainsborough - in either direction - between 9pm on Saturday, 16 August and 8:30am on Monday, 1 September to allow the improvements to be completed. Passengers are advised to check before they travel, and details of bus replacement services are on www.nationalrail.co.uk or by calling 08457 48 49 50.

Network Rail held exhibitions in Misterton on 17 May and Finningley on 14 June to help explain the work, and its impact, to residents and businesses. Parish councils have also been made aware of the upcoming work.

The bridges, which carry the railway across roads and waterways, and are being replaced are across Gainsborough Road, the Chesterfield Canal and Soss Lane.

The full list of level crossings receiving highways modernisation works, and the dates they are closed, are:

• Auckley – closed completely from 8am on Saturday, 16 August until 8am on Monday, 29 September;
• Beech Hill – closed completely from 8am on Saturday, 16 August until 8am on Monday, 29 September; and
• North Carr – closed completely from 6am on Thursday, 28 August until 8am on Monday, 6 October

Temporary closure details and diversionary routes will be signposted at each bridge or level crossing. Further temporary level crossing closures will also be necessary later in the year to install the new technology.

These works are ‘phase two’ of the GNGE project – a £280 million Government-funded programme to transform the line into a modern railway and due for completion later in 2014.

Further information is available by calling Network Rail’s Community Relations team on 08457 11 41 41 or by emailing CRNE@networkrail.co.uk