Media centre

Tuesday 2 Dec 2003

STOCKPORT WORKS GET GREENLIGHT

Region & Route:

National

  A major scheme to improve a key section of the West Coast Main Line through Stockport is set to go ahead next summer. With some of the infrastructure dating back to the 1800s, the route through Stockport has long been in need of renewal of track, signalling and foundations, which will help to improve performance and reliability on the line. Explained Network Rail’s West Coast Project Director James Martin: ‘This particular section of the line is one of the busiest and most complex on the network. This phase of the modernisation of the West Coast Main Line will effectively replace the track and foundations through Stockport. Network Rail and the train operators, including First North Western and Virgin, have comprehensive plans in place to ensure passengers can continue to travel during the Summer 2004 works. These include diversions and coach/bus replacement services which will be in operation during the July/August 2004 project. Added James Martin: ‘Network Rail and the train operators have already successfully introduced high quality coach and bus arrangements to replace local services during this summer’s work through the Stoke area and we will be working hard to ensure that we can provide the same high level of service again.’ The successful Manchester Piccadilly to London St Pancras service will also continue to run, providing an alternative mainline link during the West Coast works.