01.04.20
Railway work proceeds to keep vital lines open
Staff on nationally critical routes, such as the West Coast and Chiltern main lines, are keeping essential supplies and key workers moving during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over the weekend, Network Rail maintenance teams and signallers delivered vital maintenance on the railway between London Euston and Marylebone through the Chilterns, West Midlands, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire and Cumbria.
The work carried out, to help protect essential passenger journeys and freight supplies, included:
- 2km of track replaced at 172-year-old Upholland tunnel, near Wigan.
- Signalling replaced on the West Coast mainline between Gretna and Pitstone.
- Sea wall and bridge strengthening work on the Cumbria Coast line.
- 5km of new rail laid at Dog Kennel Bridge at Carnforth.
- Signalling transfer work from Birmingham Power Signal Box to the West Midlands Signalling Control Centre.
- Footbridge refurbishments at New Mills Newtown station in Derbyshire, and Arnside station in Cumbria.
- Rail replacement outside of London Euston.
Network Rail is taking the safety of its workers during this pandemic very seriously.
This includes deep-cleaning workplaces and working collaboratively with trade unions to practice social distancing in line with government health guidelines.
Managing Director for Network Rail’s North West and Central region, Tim Shoveller, said: “During this difficult time for Britain, our focus is on keeping the railway open for critical supplies - including food, fuel and medicine - and key workers, including NHS medics and emergency services. Last weekend we carried out crucial maintenance and refurb work from London Euston to Gretna. I am very proud of how our frontline colleagues are safely rising to this challenge.”
Image: Network Rail