22.10.12
Tarka track renewal announced
Track improvements are due to start on the Tarka line between Exeter and Barnstaple, with nine miles of track to be renewed, making the journey smoother for passengers and preparing for faster journey times.
Work will take place at Lapford and between Eggesford and Portsmouth Arms, with further improvements planned between Crediton and Yeoford, and in the Umberleigh and Chapelton areas next March.
Network Rail’s Western route managing director, Patrick Hallgate, said: “This is the biggest spend on the Tarka Line in more than 100 years and is certainly the largest single investment in the line since approximately £4.6m (today’s prices) was spent on re-modelling the junction and replacing the bridges at Cowley Bridge, Exeter in 1965.”
Julian Crow, regional manager, West of England for train operator First Great Western, said: “The Tarka Line is thriving with more passengers than ever and we very much welcome this huge investment in the line's future, leading to smoother and faster journeys for our customers.”
John Burch, chairman of the Tarka Rail Association, added: “Our ultimate aim is to see faster services on the line and an increase in line capacity to cope with the huge increase in the number of people using the Tarka Line in recent years.
“This investment demonstrates a confidence in secondary routes as part of the essential future public transport network and we know it is the only way to get people out of their cars in the medium to long term.”
The Tarka line will be closed for works from November 17 – December 3.
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