26.08.20
Multi-million-pound upgrade work across August Bank Holiday
Network Rail are reminding passengers of significant upgrades taking place across rail networks this weekend.
Between the West Midlands and London Euston work is taking place to make journeys more reliable for passengers and freight customers in future.
The multi-million-pound investment, part of Britain’s Railway Upgrade Plan, will see Network Rail replace track, upgrade signalling and maintain bridges and other structures on the section of line known as the ‘Coventry corridor’.
Passengers wishing to travel on the West Coast main line on Merseyside are also advised to check before travelling due to signalling upgrades.
Signalling control has been shifted from Ditton to the modern Manchester Rail Operation Centre between 29 Aug and 31 Aug.
As part of the Great North Rail Project, this work will also make the railway more dependable for passengers.
The multi-million-pound project will make the railway more reliable for passengers, allowing signallers to rapidly respond to disruption and route trains faster, subsequently reducing delays.
During the work trains will be diverted onto different routes keeping services running in and out of Liverpool.
Some rail replacement buses will be in operation between Warrington, Runcorn, Crewe and Liverpool South Parkway.
Dave Penney, Director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “We know there is never a good time to close the railway, but when we do, we do as much work as possible to minimise disruption to passengers. This August bank holiday is no exception, particularly in the Coventry area, where multiple jobs will take place to help improve freight and passenger journeys.
Phil James, Director for Network Rail’s North west route, said: “We know there is never a good time to close the railway, but longer bank holiday weekends mean engineers can carry out complex work like this major upgrade to the signalling system in Ditton as part of the Great North Rail Project.”
Jake Kelly, Passenger Director for Network Rail, said: “We know there is never a good time to close the railway, but when we do, we try to get as much work done as possible. This August bank holiday is no exception, with essential Railway Upgrade Plan work taking place to improve freight and passenger journeys in the West Midlands and on Merseyside.”
Image: Network Rail