1997-01-24 New deal to boost rail freight in Britain (Railtrack plc)

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date 19 May 1997
source Railtrack plc
type Press release

note (figures illegible in originating copy)

More than ?million will be invested in local railway stations during the next few years as part of a huge national regeneration programme unveiled by Railtrack today (TUES, MAY 20). And there will be more to follow.

Thirty-one stations in the Railtrack London North Eastern zone, including eight in the North East, will benefit from a variety of improvements during the first phase of the five-year programme.

Repair and improvement work will be undertaken at a total of 2,500 stations nationwide at a cost of over ?billion between now and the end of 2001.

The station regeneration project was announced to coincide with Railtrack? first anniversary as a private company.

The programme will include repairs to damaged buildings, roofs and footbridges, improved passenger information systems and enhanced station facilities to provide a more pleasant environment for customers.

Specific plans for each station were drawn up following detailed surveys which highlighted areas in need of attention. Project teams have now been employed to implement maintenance, renewal and backlog works along with commercial developments to be undertaken in partnership with the train operators.

Major new projects in the North East include works at Hexham, Corbridge, Newcastle and Middlesborough stations.

At Hexham, Railtrack will be spending ?0,000 in the next year on a range of maintenance and improvement works. These will include the restoration of the station? platform canopies and repairs to the main buildings.

Another Tyne Valley station - Corbridge - will benefit from platform and lighting improvements and footbridge repairs, costing a total of ?0,000.

Major repair schemes are also earmarked for Newcastle and Middlesborough stations within the next five years.

Roofing repairs will account for about ?million worth of investment at Newcastle while a similar amount will be spent at Middlesborough on canopy repairs and renewal and on subway improvements.

Final details of these schemes are still under discussion but some of the work will begin within the current financial year.

Railtrack will be working closely with the local train operators to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum at every station where the work is taking place.

Speaking at the national launch of the station regeneration programme at Paddington station in London, Railtrack chairman Sir Robert Horton spoke of the company? long term commitments and vision for railway stations throughout the country.

"With privatisation freeing the company from public sector constraints on spending, Railtrack is set to achieve its vision of working with its industry partners, customers and suppliers to deliver the best commercial railway in the world," he said.

"Railtrack? entry into the private sector was a major turning point for Britain? railways. We will not only maintain the network but will also upgrade and renew the infrastructure to improve train performance.

"When you think that we own over 32,000 kilometres of track, 40,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and 9,000 level crossings - not to mention the stations themselves - our regeneration programme represents a significant investment.

"Railtrack is committed to playing a pivotal role in building a modern, safe and efficient railway network. Ten years from now, Britain will have a railway that is second to none - both in the quality of its infrastructure and in the dependability of its train services."

NORTH EAST STATIONS IN LINE FOR IMPROVEMENTS


Allens West Resurfacing of access, platform area repairs ?0k
Corbridge Platform and lighting refurbishment, footbridge repairs ?0k
Dinsdale Platform and lighting refurbishments ?0k
Hexham Platform and canopy refurbishments, building repairs ?0k
Middlesborough Canopy repairs and renewal ?
Newcastle Roofing works ?
Saltburn Platform and lighting refurbishments ?0k
Shildon Platform refurbishment and shelter repairs ?0k

Railhub Archive ::: 1997-05-19 RTK-002