03.11.17
Blackpool rail network to close for 19 weeks during major upgrade
Blackpool’s rail network is set for major changes as Network Rail plans to close the system for 19 weeks of essential work.
The upgrades – which form a part of the Great North Rail Project – will focus on improving capacity and reliability across the service.
During the closure time NR and Northern will carry out upgrades to track and platforms at Blackpool North and Kirkham & Wesham stations. The signalling on both lines into Blackpool will be upgraded, as 84 new signals will be installed to make journeys more reliable.
“This vital upgrade is part of the government’s biggest investment in the network since Victorian times and will mean more seats, better connections, and more reliable journeys for rail passengers,” commented transport minister Jesse Norman.
“We recognise there will be temporary disruption, but the benefits for passengers will be significant when complete. We are investing billions of pounds in transport across the region and I am delighted that this project is on track to deliver what passengers have told us they want to see.”
Replacement buses will be running throughout the 19-week period on all effected lines between Blackpool and Preston.
Martin Frobisher, NR’s London North Western route managing director, explained: “The upgrade of the line between Preston and Blackpool is the largest rail investment in the area since the 19th century and will provide a railway between Blackpool and Preston to be proud of.
“As Blackpool’s economy grows, the railway is growing too and we are working with the wider industry and our Blackpool region partners to keep people on the move throughout.
“There is never a good time to carry out this type of work but we have planned it to take place outside of the main holiday season so it causes the least impact.
“I am confident the short-term pain will be worth the long-term gain of transformed train travel in future.”
Work officially begins on 11 November, with the network completely closed until 28 January 2018.
Northern regional director, Sharon Keith, said: “The upgrade of the line between Preston and Blackpool is a key phase of the modernisation of the railway in the north of England.
“The work will pave the way for further improvements for our customers who, in the future, will benefit from brand new or fully refurbished electric trains – resulting in better journeys and, thanks to further investment, better stations.
“I would like to thank our customers in advance for their understanding and patience whilst this essential work takes place.”
Between 29 January 2018 and 25 March, the railway between Preston and Blackpool South will reopen, but the railway between Kirkham & Wesham and Blackpool North will remain closed.
The service was also down last year for 10 weekends while NR carried out essential improvement works.
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