Media centre

Thursday 15 Sep 2005

SANDBACH/WILMSLOW WORKS DECEMBER 2005/2006

Region & Route:

Engineers are preparing to introduce a state of the art signalling system onto the UK’s rail network in the Sandbach/Wilmslow area.  The new computer based interlocking system, developed by Italian company Ansaldo, is already being successfully operated in the  Cheadle Hulme area. The work sees Network Rail and its engineering teams carrying out track works and installing new signalling equipment.  The two operating signal boxes at Wilmslow and Sandbach will be removed and the new signalling system will be controlled from the Edgeley Control Centre. The lines between Crewe and Stockport & Crewe and Manchester Airport will be affected by preparatory works from 24 September until 10 December 2005 when the line will be closed every Saturday.  From 11 December 2005 until 26 March 2006, the lines between Crewe and Stockport & Crewe and Manchester Airport will be completely closed for installation and commissioning of the signalling system.  Train operators Northern Rail and Virgin Trains are ready with plans in place to help keep passengers moving throughout the essential works.   Long distance services will remain largely unaffected with trains being diverted via Stoke-on-Trent.  Local services between Crewe and Stockport Manchester Airport will be replaced by a coach/bus service. Explained Tom McCarthy, Programme Director for Network Rail’s West Coast project: “We are working very closely with both Northern Rail and Virgin Trains to ensure passengers can continue their journeys throughout this period. We do however recognise that these works will cause some inconvenience but can assure passengers that in the long term they will be provided with a railway that promises a safer, faster and more reliable service.”