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Monday 12 Jul 2004

SIX WEEK CLOSURE WILL DELIVER A RAIL LINE FIT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Region & Route:

| Southern

Work to upgrade the 16-mile Bedford to Bletchley route is in its final stage.  To carry out the work in the most effective and efficient way, the line will be closed from late night on Friday 23 July and will reopen to passenger traffic on Monday 6 September. £35 million is being invested in new technology to a section of railway which has been operating with century-old equipment.   Four signal boxes, two gate boxes and three crossing keepers huts will be replaced by a state-of-the-art signalling centre based at Ridgmont.  Twelve level crossings will be upgraded and three station platforms rebuilt. Huw Evans, Network Rail Project Manager said: “This work is essential to secure the future of the Bedford to Bletchley railway. It brings it in line with the 21st century West Coast Main Line and Midland Mainline which it connects. “We apologise for any disruption the six week closure will cause, but we carefully selected these dates to coincide with the school holidays as many children use the route in term time. Track closures are also the more cost effective and efficient way of carrying out this type of work, as engineers can work around-the-clock to finish complex jobs.” When the railway reopens, the signalling system and level crossings will be operated from one location and will automatically open, triggered by the passage of a train. - more - Closure – 2 Nine of the crossings will be converted to CCTV level crossings, which are monitored by a controller in the signalling centre. Once the controller has observed that the crossing is clear, the barriers are activated. Work during the six weeks includes: ·        New level crossing barrier arms, warning sirens, warning lights and floodlights ·        New fencing at level crossings ·        Line painting and surfacing work at crossings ·        New highway and railway signage ·        New crossing surfaces ·        CCTV cameras ·        2km of track being renewed Most level crossings will need to close to during the six weeks and local diversions will be in place. Pedestrians and cyclists will still have access. Comprehensive testing of the signalling system and level crossings, including a test train, will take place before the line reopens. For alternative travel arrangements during the closure contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or consult Silverlink’s website: www.silverlink-trains.com.