25.09.12
Minimal disruption planned for Anglia in 2013
Engineering work is to be reduced on the Great Eastern Main Line, minimising the need for replacement bus services throughout 2013.
An alliance between Greater Anglia and Network Rail has resulted in fewer bus replacement services this Christmas and during weekends next year. There will be no complete closures this Christmas and New Year, and only two Saturdays in 2013 will be affected by bus journeys.
Essential overnight work will still take place, which could mean some very late nights on Saturdays and Sundays. Overhead lines are being upgraded on the GEML, as well as track renewal and freight upgrades.
Dave Ward, Network Rail route managing director for Anglia, said: “In the last few years, we have done a huge amount of work investing millions of pounds to renew crucial parts of this line to benefit passengers for years to come. We are now in a position to change how we deliver these improvements. This change will bring real benefits to passengers providing them with a better weekend train service.
“We expect it will have a positive impact on the whole region, boosting economic growth as more people use the railway at weekends. There is still a huge amount of work to do to improve things further but we have found a much better balance, which I hope passengers will welcome.”
Ruud Haket, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “I am delighted that our positive partnership and alliance with Network Rail, which is a key element of the Greater Anglia franchise, has enabled us to take a fresh look at the scheduling of infrastructure works to put passenger needs first whilst maintaining important improvements. As a result, our customers will benefit from more seamless weekend services, which will encourage more people to take the train, boosting the region's economy.”
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