REFINEMENTS ON TAP FOR RAIL SIGNALLERS

Thursday 16 Sep 2004

REFINEMENTS ON TAP FOR RAIL SIGNALLERS

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Signallers at Medge Hall signal box now have running water thanks to a refurbishment by Network Rail. Built in 1886 to house a 12 lever signalling frame, the box is located on the Doncaster to Scunthorpe line, a heavily used freight route. A traditional wooden structure, the box has stood the test of time well but was in need of some tender loving care to ensure its continued usefulness. The box is one of 1100 maintained by Network Rail, many of which are now recognised for their historic value. Maintaining the traditional appearance, the team: · installed new access paths to the signal box · replaced damaged roof slates · installed new insulation · replaced the existing windows with double glazing · replaced the existing shiplap style soft wood cladding with new timber · installed a new self-contained toilet unit · upgraded the electricity supply and fitted electrical heaters In addition to the box refurbishment, work was carried out to correct local subsidence. - more - Medge Hall - 2 Graham Botham, Route Director, Network Rail said: “Bringing a traditional box like this up to modern standards requires a sympathetic touch. What we have done here has not only ensured the future of the box but has improved the working conditions for our signallers.” The refurbishment programme was carried out by Network Rail and contractor C Spencer Ltd.

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We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

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