09.10.12
Replacement of Benfleet rail bridge announced
c2c and Network Rail have announced improvement works to take place over the Christmas break, including the replacement of a rail bridge at Benfleet station.
The station will also see new platforms constructed, to ensure services can continue to run as normal the following year. Trains will not run between Leigh-on-Sea and Pitsea from the close of service on Christmas Eve to the start of service on New Year’s Eve.
Alternative travel options will be provided, including bus services and tickets accepted on Greater Anglia services between 27 and 30December.
c2c managing director Julian Drury said: “Major improvement projects like this are a rarity, but Benfleet station is over 100 years old and this is an essential replacement. We’ll be working hard this Christmas to ensure everyone is able to get to work as normal for the rest of the year. We apologise to people whose journeys will be affected, but as a busy commuter railway this is our quietest time of year and represents the best time for such a major project.”
Dave Ward, Network Rail's route managing director for Anglia, said: “The project we are carrying out at Benfleet is essential to keep improving the railway in Essex. We are combining the work on the bridge with improvements to the station, including all-new platforms, and work to make the track easier to maintain. We do appreciate this project will cause some disruption and we thank the people of the area for their understanding.”
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