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Friday 28 Jan 2005

REIGATE SIGNAL BOX’S 10 YEAR ‘MOT’

Region & Route:

| Southern

For two weeks from Saturday 12 February a special timetable will be in operation between Redhill and Reigate so Network Rail can carry out essential maintenance work to Reigate signal box. Andrew Munden, Network Rail Route Director said: “Like your car, signal boxes need servicing and this gets carried out every ten years. We need to comprehensively check all of its parts and make any necessary replacements. “We have two weeks to meticulously check each moving component and test them in time for the reinstatement of the full Southern timetable on Monday 28 February.” Reigate signal box opened on 10 March 1929.  It has 24 levers but 11 now operate the signalling system between Redhill and Gomshall.  The box controls 19 signals and six level crossings. Vince Lucas, Commercial Director, Southern said: “The changes to the timetable during the engineering work are quite complex and it is important that passengers travelling between Redhill and Reigate check the details in advance of making their journey.  We have worked closely with First Great Western Link and Network Rail to make sure that our passengers are inconvenienced as little as possible during these engineering works.” Mr Munden said: “Although passengers won’t see any new equipment or machinery this work will bring benefits in a more reliable and efficient signalling system.” For service information during the work, contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or consult www.southernrailway.com.