Network Rail working to minimise disruption on Settle to Carlisle project
Mon 8 Feb 2010
Network Rail has announced that it is to carry out as much work at night on the upcoming project as possible in an effort to cut disruption to passengers.
Rail engineers are to lay around 23 miles of track on the Settle to Carlisle line with work beginning in April. This work is going to be mainly carried out at night, in a gesture which Network Rail claims to be proof of its commitment to a seven day railway.
Jo Kaye, Network Rail’s route director, said: “With all the track renewal, signalling improvements and work on bridges and viaducts along the route, we will have invested around £100m in the line over the last five years. This is an incredible amount of money when you consider that British Rail wanted to close it completely not so many years ago.
“Since those dark days, the line has gone from strength to strength. Passenger numbers have rocketed thanks to the efforts of train operator Northern and the various voluntary organisations that promote the line. It is a vital link for coal trains between Scotland and power stations in Yorkshire and the Midlands, and it provides a much needed diversionary route from the west coast main line when improvement work is taking place.”
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