A train fitted with cryogenic cleaning equipment, known as Cryogrip, will run between Bishop Auckland and North Road station in Darlington to help clear the line and minimise disruption. The train, which will not be carrying passengers, is due to run along the line between services in Northern’s timetable. Developed by engineers from the University […]
Category: Permanent Way
Whitehaven tunnel repair update for passengers and residents
Passengers and residents are being advised of long-term plans for the Cumbrian Coast Line after the closure of Whitehaven tunnel. Following the discovery of historic mine workings ahead of a planned track renewal specialist engineers have been working to deliver a lasting solution for the line. The extent of the work needed means Bransty tunnel, […]
Nine-day closure of the East Suffolk line for major track renewals
Passengers travelling on the East Suffolk line are advised to check before they travel between Saturday 25 October and Sunday 2 November, when the line will be closed between Westerfield and Halesworth for essential track renewal work. Much of the track in this area is over 100 years old and needs to be replaced to […]
Upgrades to Newquay station are authorised
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has authorised significant upgrades to Newquay station in Cornwall. The station’s second platform has been reintroduced, and the project is part of a wider scheme to allow coast-to-coast services to operate, including the introduction of a new train passing loop at Goss Moor, and the upgrading or removal […]
Investment in new rail to boost track reliability in East Midlands
A project to install 565 metres of new rail will affect Midland Main Line journeys on Saturday 20 September. Services between Nottingham and Leicester will be affected, along with some Midland Main Line journeys to/from London St Pancras. Network Rail teams will be putting down 109 pre-curved rails at Syston North Curve, along with 3,500 […]
Emergency closure of level crossing after string of safety alerts
A level crossing near the Metrocentre in Gateshead has been closed for safety reasons after concerns about people putting themselves at risk. Network Rail worked with Gateshead Council in responding to the serious concerns about the Skiff Inn pedestrian crossing at Swalwell. A temporary traffic regulation notice has ben put in place, with a longer-term […]
Better journeys through Staffordshire after £12.5 million upgrades
Rail journeys on the West Coast Main Line through Staffordshire have been improved thanks to major railway upgrades this August. Network Rail has invested £12.5 million renewing tracks, points, bridges and viaducts over the last three weeks. The work took place during a rare 21-day closure of a 50-mile stretch of the route from Stone […]
West Coast Main Line reopens after £43 million upgrades across three counties
Passengers are being thanked for their patience after a 21-day closure of the West Coast Main Line through Staffordshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester for multiple upgrades to improve future journeys for passengers and freight. On the morning of Saturday 23 August the 50-mile stretch of railway, where improvements to bridges, tracks, overhead lines and lineside […]
October half-term to bring changes to train services in Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire
During the October school holidays, Network Rail engineers carrying out a variety of improvements across the South Western Railway network, meaning that buses will replace trains in some places. While there is never a perfect time to close the railway, school holidays are typically much quieter with fewer people travelling, giving engineers an ideal window […]
Engineering work to affect trains between Swindon and Gloucester
Network Rail will complete essential engineering work on the Golden Valley line later this month that will impact passengers between Swindon and Gloucester. Work will take place in several areas along the line from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 August. Rail, sleepers and ballast will be replaced at two sites between Swindon and Kemble and […]