Media centre

Wednesday 13 Oct 2010

UPDATED PLANS TO DELIVER MORE TRAINS AND FASTER JOURNEYS ON DISPLAY IN DONCASTER

Region & Route:

Updated plans to improve journeys for thousands of rail passengers using the East Coast main line (ECML) are on display in Askern this week. The plans, by Network Rail, look to separate freight trains from passenger services by building a flyover at Shaftholme Junction, to the north of Doncaster.

Following an initial consultation in July, Network Rail has reviewed the proposals and is once again giving people the opportunity to see what is planned and to have their say.

The main change to the plans is the inclusion of a road bridge over the East Coast main line at Joan Croft Lane. Concern about barrier down times at the level crossing was raised at the original consultation and this bridge should help to alleviate delays to road traffic.

Richard Lungmuss, route director for Network Rail, said “It was very encouraging that 80% of people who commented last time were supportive of our plans to invest in railway improvements which allow us to transport more freight. The real benefit is that this scheme will allow increased passenger numbers by separating the freight and passenger traffic.

“We want to update people on our thinking and also to feed back on other issues which were raised in the summer.”

The plans go on display on 10am to 6.30pm Thursday 21 October at Alexander House, High Street Askern, DN6 0AB.

At the moment freight trains, running between ports on the Humber to the Aire Valley power stations, have to run on the East Coast main line for up to 14 miles, slowing the passenger services which run between London and Scotland.