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23rd February 2023

Weekend service disruptions through Cambridge area from March to May​

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Cambridge railway station​

Train services through Cambridge will be severely disrupted on weekends from Saturday, 11th March until the late May bank holiday due to engineering work in the area.

The planned engineering work will affect:
  • Greater Anglia services between London and Peterborough via Cambridge and Ely;
  • Great Northern and Thameslink services between Kings Cross / St Pancras and King’s Lynn via Cambridge;
  • Cross Country services between Birmingham and Stansted Airport via Cambridge at certain times.
Anyone intending to travel at weekends should check their journey plans before travelling by visiting nationalrail.co.uk, or their relevant train operator at greateranglia.co.uk, greatnorthernrail.com, thameslinkrailway.com, or crosscountrytrains.co.uk

Rail-replacement bus services will be provided for some routes, but passengers should note that full-size bicycles and scooters cannot be carried on the rail-replacement buses.

Dates, when journeys will be affected, are as follows:
  • Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 March;
  • Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March;
  • Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March;
  • (Good) Friday 6 to (Easter) Monday 9 April; (Bank holidays);
  • Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April;
  • Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April;
  • Saturday 29 April to Monday 1 May; (Bank holiday);
  • Sunday 7 and Monday 8 May;
  • Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May;
  • Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May;
  • Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May; (Bank holiday).
The work is part of a huge scheme to update signalling systems in the wider Cambridge area, which will deliver state-of-the-art signalling technology. That will result in better reliability and reduced maintenance while preparing the network for the introduction of digital technologies such as the European Train Control System (ETCS).
 
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To make the best use of the time when trains are not running, other work will be carried out at the same time including preparatory work and site set-up for the new Cambridge South station, vital track renewals, drainage, surveys and structures.

This is the first phase of this major improvement work, and further closures will be needed later this year and through into 2024.

Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said:

“The signalling system is the brain and nervous system of the railway which keeps people, who use or interact with the railway, safe.

“I am sorry that our planned signalling upgrade work will disrupt weekend train services for passengers, but this significant investment in renewing the signalling system around Cambridge is vital for maintaining a reliable and safe railway.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said:

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work takes place. Customers will still be able to complete their journeys by rail replacement bus. Passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journeys.

“Our new trains are already operating on the West Anglia route and the upgraded signalling will help to further modernise and improve the railway, supporting ongoing increases in punctuality and reliability levels and helping to deliver an even better service for rail passengers in the region. This project will also enable greater capacity to be provided and more trains to operate as the Cambridge South and East West Rail schemes are delivered.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said:

“This major investment will mean more reliable train services and fewer delays in the future, and we thank our passengers for their patience while Network Rail make these vital improvements.

“We’ve arranged replacement buses, but journeys via Cambridge will take considerably longer than normal during these weekends, so please plan ahead, allow plenty of extra time and check before you travel.”
 
23rd February 2023

Steam locomotive 6024 King Edward I to move to Crewe for Engineering Audit​

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6024 King Edward I​

The 6024 Preservation Society has released an update on 6024 King Edward I, as the locomotive heads towards returning to steam.

Today, 23rd February 2023, it is planned that the GWR ‘King’ will leave Minehead on the West Somerset Railway by road, headed for LNWR (Heritage) at Crewe.

For the past 11 years, the 6024 Preservation Society has worked to overhaul 6024 King Edward I on behalf of its owner, the Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust.

With requirements for operation on the national network changing over the length of the overhaul, the RSL&GT wants to check the condition of the locomotive before the overhaul is completed.

At Crewe, an engineering audit will be completed on 6024 by stakeholders and authorised bodies, and once this is completed, the locomotive will return to Minehead for the overhaul to be completed.
 
23rd February 2023

East Lancashire Railway’s “Dining With Distinction” experiences return​

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Ex Southern Railway "West Country" class 7P 5F, 34092, City of Wells approaching Summerseat with the 11:30 Heywood to Rawtenstall on a sunny May 7th 2017

Next month, the East Lancashire Railway will resume its memorable Dining With Distinction experiences, and tickets are available to book now.

The experiences allow guests to step back in time and enjoy sophisticated first-class service travelling on a heritage steam train while they enjoy a luxurious lunch, afternoon meal, or evening dining, as they travel through the charming Lancashire countryside soaking up the picturesque views.
 
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Red Rose Diner on the East Lancashire Railway

The experiences start running on 24th March, and include evening dining experiences, themed nights, tasting nights, and daytime and Evening dining experiences.

Evening Dining Experiences

The Red Rose Diner is ideal for food lovers and rail enthusiasts who want to enjoy the first-class dining experience of days gone by, with a glass of fizz upon boarding, followed by a four-course meal and silver service.

Red Rose Diners run from 24th March to 24th November.
 
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Table magician during a Premium Night on the East Lancashire Railway​

Premium Nights

Are for those who revel in luxury where black tie is a must.

It is a finer way to enjoy a traditional Pullman-style dining experience in luxurious surroundings and live music.

A classical harpist and violinist will greet guests as board the train for a four-course meal complete with a table magician, and end the night with a prosecco reception on the platform.

Premium Nights run from 13th May to 7th October.

Themed Nights

During the railway’s Murder Mystery Nights, guests are invited to put their thinking caps on.

Each features a different theme and a riddle to solve, as they enjoy a three-course meal travelling on a steam train through Irwell Valley.

The Murder Mystery Nights include the Great Gatsby Mystery, Disoriented Express, Ello Ello Enigma, and many more, and run from 1st April to 25th November.

Comedy Nights are just the ticket for those who are after an evening packed full of laughter and song.

While guests watch their on-screen favourites, they can indulge in a delicious three course meal accompanied by continuous mayhem, action, and laughs.

Comedy Nights run on 8th April and 26th August, and guests are encouraged to dress to fit the theme.

Tasting Nights

Gin Tasting and Wine Tasting experiences are the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion when they are accompanied by a fabulous four-course meal.

During the railway’s expert-led tasting nights, guests’ taste buds will be treated to an evening of fantastic flavours and aromas, complete with a four-course meal, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolate.

Gin Tasting nights will be and run from 21st April to 21st October, whilst Wine Tasting nights run from 24th March to 10th November.
 
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Sunday Lunch on the East Lancashire Railway

Daytime Dining Experiences

Afternoon Tea is an alternative to evening dining, when guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz and a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones, and locally made patisseries accompanied by unlimited tea and coffee, whilst they travel through the beautiful countryside behind a heritage steam locomotive.

Afternoon Tea experiences run from 6th April to 26th October.

For something more filling, a Midweek Lunch or Sunday Lunch is the perfect answer.

Midweek Lunches offer guests a freshly prepared two-course meal followed by coffee and after-dinner chocolate.

On Sundays, guests will be greeted with a glass of fizz, and indulge in a delicious three-course meal followed by coffee and chocolate.

Midweek Lunches run from 5th April to 27th October and Sunday Lunches run from 26th March to 19th November.
 
23rd February 2023

26 days disruption for services through Stalybridge in March/April​

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Stalybridge station

For 26 days in March and April, there will be no trains through Stalybridge whilst major work takes place in connection with the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

Between Saturday, 11th March and Wednesday, 5th April, services between Manchester and Leeds will be diverted via the Calder Valley route, although rail-replacement buses will be available to keep passengers moving.

During this time, passengers intending to travel on this route should allow extra time and plan ahead using the National Rail Journey Planner or their train operator’s website.
 
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Stalybridge work March and April 2023​

The work is part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will provide more frequent and faster trains, running on a cleaner, greener, and more reliable railway.

During the work, engineers will install over 2km of new track and 23 new signals, upgrade 13 crossovers, and install new overhead line equipment.

Additional work will take place before and after the total closure, including on 25th/26th February, 4th/5th March, 15th/16th, 22nd/23rd, and 29th/30th April, and 20th/21 May.

Passengers should check before they travel for the latest updates.
 
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Round the clock work at Stalybridge during March and April 2023​

During the closure, rail-replacement buses will operate between Manchester Piccadilly and Huddersfield, Manchester Airport and Huddersfield via Stockport, and Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.

Trains between Marsden and Leeds via Huddersfield will run as normal, calling at all intermediate stations.

Northern services between Southport / Wigan North Western and Stalybridge will start/terminate at Manchester Victoria.

Rail replacement buses will run between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.

No TransPennine Express services will run via Stalybridge, but a limited service will run on alternative routes between:
  • Liverpool Lime Street and Newcastle.
  • Manchester Victoria and Saltburn.
  • Marsden and Leeds (stopping service).
Replacement buses will run between Huddersfield and Manchester Piccadilly (fast and stopping), and Huddersfield and Manchester Airport via Stockport.

Hannah Lomas, Industry Programme Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said:

“These upgrades at Stalybridge will mark a significant milestone for the entire programme, bringing us one step closer to faster, greener and more reliable journeys across the North of England.

“We have worked closely with train operators on the route, Northern and TransPennine Express, to make sure that there is a robust plan in place to keep passengers on the move. There will be rail diversions and a mix of express and stopping rail replacement buses between Manchester and Huddersfield, so we’re asking passengers to plan ahead and check before travelling.”

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said:

“These upgrade works are a vital step towards delivering faster, more reliable and sustainable services between Manchester and York.

“Whilst the engineering work takes place around Stalybridge there will be a number of changes to TransPennine Express services across our network – and we’d advise our customers to check carefully for the latest advice before they travel on our website www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/changes-to-train-times. Updates will also be available on our social media channels. Our teams across from across the industry will be on hand at stations to assist customers with their journeys.”

Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director for Northern, said:

“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience whilst Stalybridge station is closed for this work. These upgrades will pave the way for Northern to run faster, greener electric trains to Stalybridge in the future. We’re working hard to keep our customers moving throughout the duration of the closure, and we’d like to remind customers to check before they travel.”
 
23rd February 2023

South Western Railway continues work on historic Isle of Wight Pier​

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Working on Ryde Pier​

After battling through winter, engineers have provided a progress report on the improvement of Ryde Pier, giving the Victorian structure a new lease on life.

Since October 2022, the line between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde Pier Head has been closed.

This was to allow engineers to strengthen the 686-metre-long Victorian structure, originally built in 1880.

South Western Railway (SWR) has plans to begin platform improvements at Ryde Esplanade.

This plan includes vital track maintenance at Ryde Esplanade as part of a joint project.

The strengthening work which took place was a part of a wider scheme to make improvements to Ryde Pier.

The engineers faced many challenges throughout winter, resulting in the extension of the projects into the spring time.
 
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Ryde Pier​

Mixed with the weather conditions of winter, the engineers faced more challenges since they were working on a pier over open water.

This caused several health and safety concerns which resulted in the work getting paused during these poor conditions.

This caused a delay to the overall completion time of the project, mainly due to a lack of scaffolding (as it was impossible to raise in these conditions).

From Sunday 2nd April, South Western Railway will be operating two trains per hour between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin.

This results in a change in normal services. These changes are as follows:
  • Ryde Pier will remain closed until the completion of the programme in late spring, with a minibus connecting to Island Line train services.
  • Ryde Esplanade will be closed from Monday 13 March with buses replacing trains between Ryde Pier and Ryde St Johns via Ryde Esplanade. The station will re-open by Saturday 1 April.
  • From Sunday 2 April, two trains per hour will operate between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin, with a rail replacement bus service from Ryde Esplanade to Ryde Pier Head
The hopes of South Western Railway is that by performing this maintenance work, the structure will remain standing for decades to come, improving reliability and allowing trains to run on the Isle of Wight for the foreseeable future.
 
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Ryde Pier Sunset​

”We’ve been faced with several weather-related challenges on the Isle of Wight” said Mark Killick, network Rail’s Wessex route director, he continued with:

“but with the worst behind us we’re pleased to see that progress has been made at Ryde Pier. I’d like to thank customers for bearing with us whilst we carry out this complex renewal to give Ryde Pier a new lease of life. We recognise that winter is a challenging time of year to carry out work due to the unpredictable weather, but at the same time if we were to carry this work out during the summer period,it would cause more disruption to customers and tourism on the isle of wight.

“Apart from the weather, one of the major challenges we faced is that our time on site is limited by the fact that we have to work around the tide. Even though the program had to be extended, we are confident that we’ll be able to reopen the line by late spring.”

Mark Dunn, South Western Railway’s Island Line general manager, said:

“Strengthening work on the pier has been harder than anticipated due to the exceptionally difficult weather conditions, however, we have seen some good progress in recent weeks.

“Customers should be aware that buses will replace trains between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde St Johns from Monday 13 March, while we complete vital track and platform maintenance at Ryde Esplanade

“We know just how important Easter is for customers and businesses on the Island, so we will continue working hard with Network Rail to ensure we reopen Ryde Esplanade by Saturday 1 April.

“We’re very pleased to confirm that when we re-open Ryde Esplanade we will begin operating two trains per hour to Shanklin. A lot of hard work has gone into reaching this milestone, delivering on what is an important, long-term commitment to the Island Line.”
 
23rd February 2023

ScotRail Class 47 locomotive to visit the Severn Valley Railway​

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Locomotive 47712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer'​

Crewe-based Class 47 No. 47712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’ is set to visit the Severn Valley Railway for its Spring Diesel Festival.

A first for any heritage railway, 47712 is set to visit the gala along with its push-pull DBSO coaches.

Taking place between the 18th and 21st May, the gala will see 47712, and previously announced 58023 run alongside the homefleet of locos.
 
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Scotrail-liveried DBSO push-pull set of coaches, with 47712 on the rear

Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s interim managing director said:

“Bringing together 47712 and the DBSO push-pull coaches is yet another heritage railway first for the Severn Valley Railway, and we’re extremely grateful to Locomotive Services Group for providing both locomotive and coaches for our Spring Diesel Festival.

“Our four-day celebration this year to mark 50 years of diesel preservation is going to bring together an unrivalled collection of diesel locomotives, both preserved and currently in main line operation. I can guarantee that no-one will have ever seen anything like this before. We’re aiming for up to 13 classes of heritage locos plus an enviable range of modern diesel types. It’s going to be unmissable!”
 
23rd February 2023

East Midlands Railway partners with Olio to reduce food waste​

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East Midlands Railway (EMR) has entered a partnership with Olio, which is a free sharing app and social enterprise, to stop surplus food from going to waste and re-distribute it amongst members of the local community who are in need.

OLIO collects surplus food from local businesses so that it can be shared instead of being thrown away, which can lead to a more sustainable future.

It is a surprising fact that in the UK the average family throws away 22% of their weekly shop, which is worth £730 per year.

Food on East Midlands Railway’s Intercity trains that is near its expiry date will be collected by Olio from the trains at London St Pancras.

It will then be listed on the Olio app so that users of the app living nearby and community groups can choose what they want.

The selected items can then be re-distributed free to Olio app users by simply picking the items up from an agreed collection point.

Further information about the Olio app can be found on its website at https://olioex.com/about/
 
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Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director at East Midlands Railway, said:

“It’s our responsibility to minimise the environmental impact of our services and we work hard to make sure as little food as possible is wasted.

“However, at times there can be surplus items and joining in partnership with Olio is a great way to make sure these foods end up going to those that need them most and not in the bin.”

Alberto, Managing Director of Olio’s Food Waste Heroes Programme, said:

“Working with East Midlands Railway on this project is really exciting. We’re incredibly grateful to both their team and Olio’s Food Waste Hero volunteers, who play a crucial role in helping us share food with the local community.

“We’re excited to see Olio adoption continue to grow across the UK travel sector, and hope other operators will follow the example of East Midlands Railway in giving away their surplus food.”
 
23rd February 2023

Over 2,000 West Midlands Railway passengers given Penalty Fares​

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New signal and West Midlands Railway train at Birmingham New Street​

West Midlands Railway (WMR) has revealed that 2,014 people have been given a Penalty Fare within the first month of the penalty increasing.

Rail passengers are being reminded to not to avoid paying for their fare and buy a ticket before they travel.

Last month (23rd January) the Penalty Fare increased to £100 minimum charge, with a reduction to £50 providing that the penalty is paid within 21 days.

West Midlands Railway ran a campaign to publicise the increase of the fare, however are still handing out around 67 penalty fares a day.

Ticket checks have been increased by the network to ensure that the system remains fair for paying customers.

Birmingham New Street, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham Snow Hill and Redditch were issued the most penalties so far.

The penalty increased from £20 or twice the full single fare to the next station. The increase applies across the rail network following a national consultation by the Department for Transport.

Passengers could face a Penalty Fare if they:
  • Travel without a valid ticket
  • Can’t show an appropriate Railcard for a discounted ticket
  • Travel in First Class with a Standard Class ticket
  • Are travelling on a child ticket, but are 16 or over
  • Travel beyond the destination on their ticket
More information on penalty fares can be found at https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/tickets-discounts/penalty-fares

Annamaria Izzard, head of revenue protection at WMR, said:

“The increase to the Penalty Fare was brought in to help protect hundreds of millions of pounds of vital revenue for the railway which is lost through fare evasion every year.

“The number of penalty fares we have issued shows how seriously we take fare dodging and although the vast majority of our customers do the right thing and purchase before they travel, I hope the Penalty Fare scheme will encourage everyone to think twice about ticketless travel and attempting to evade the fare.”
 
23rd February 2023

Steam locomotive 4555 to visit the Severn Valley Railway​

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The Severn Valley Railway has announced that GWR Small Prairie No. 4555 will be joining them for April’s Spring Steam Gala.

4555 is the sole surviving member of the original 4500 class and will be a popular loco at the Gala, which is to take place between the 14th and 16th April.

The three day gala has a heavy GWR-theme, with 4555 joining visitor 4079 Pendennis Castle alongside the home fleet of 4930 Hagley Hall, 7812 Erlestoke Manor and GWR Pannier 7714.

4555 visits the Severn Valley Railway thanks to its owners, the Dartmouth Steam & River Boat Company.

“We’re delighted that 4555’s owners, the Dartmouth Steam & River Boat Company, have agreed to it coming to our Gala. It’s been on hire at the East Somerset Railway for the past three years, and now that their Large Prairie 4110 looks set to return to service, the Small Prairie can come to us.

“I think it’s going to be popular with our footplate crews, because of course, the SVR is already home to another of the class, 4566. This particular loco was withdrawn from service in 2017, but it’s worth spending some time viewing it at The Engine House, Highley where it’s now on static display, pending overhaul.”
 
24th February 2023

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Luton Airport rail link to open in March​

The delayed Luton DART line, a people mover connecting Luton Airport Parkway on the Midland Main Line with London Luton Airport, is expected to have a ‘soft’ launch on 10 March, with full services set to follow ‘around the end of March’.

The DART was visited by the King on 6 December, an event which recalled the previous visit to the area by his mother the late Queen, when she opened Luton Airport Parkway station in 1999.

When the new link has opened fully, the existing bus link between the station and airport will be withdrawn.

Luton Airport Parkway is served by two fast East Midlands Railway services from St Pancras International each hour, as well as Thameslink trains.

From 10 March, the council-owned airport company Luton Rising expects that the people mover will run for about four hours a day, in preparation for a 24-hour service from the end of the month, and the opinions of passengers will be invited.

The single fare will be £4.90, compared with £2.50 on the bus.

A council spokesman said:

‘The fare is based on independent assessment and sound rationale, reflecting the value of time saved and convenience and the quality of what we are providing compared to what went before.’

Until the end of March, passengers who have a ticket for the existing bus transfer will be invited to take the DART at no additional charge.

The cost of the project has risen from a planned £225 million to £300 million, and the opening will come two years later than originally planned.

Luton Borough Council leader Cllr Hazel Simmons said:

‘The Luton DART is one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Luton and promises to put our town and our airport firmly on the map for all the right reasons. Electrically-powered, energy-efficient, and future-proofed to support sustainable growth of the airport, it is a vital sign of our commitment to encourage more passengers to take the train rather than individual car journeys to and from our airport.’
 
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24th February 2023

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New, bigger sea wall to protect railway and town of Dawlish reaches final stages as Colonnade underpass reopens to the public​

Region & Route: Wales & Western | Wales & Western: Western

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Dawlish sea wall latest progress 1 Feb 2023​

Work on the construction of the £80m new, bigger sea wall to protect the railway in Dawlish has reached its final stages as a new link bridge and stilling basin nears completion at Colonnade viaduct.

Removal of heavy machinery from the beach means step-free access to King’s Walk promenade and beach from Colonnade underpass is due to reopen tomorrow (Saturday 25 February).

Work on the 415 metre second section of new sea wall – stretching from Coastguard breakwater northeast of Dawlish station to Colonnade breakwater – with its wider, safer public promenade, began in November 2020.

This followed the completion and opening of the first section of new sea wall in July 2020, which runs for 360 metres from Colonnade to Boat Cove.

The second section of new sea wall reached a major milestone last August with the installation of all 164 wall panels, 203 pre-cast blocks and 189 recurve units, which return waves back out to sea.

Since then, Network Rail’s contractors BAM Nuttall have focused on joining the two sections of wall with a link bridge that runs parallel to Colonnade viaduct, and building a new stilling basin where Dawlish Water runs under the viaduct and into the sea.

Step-free access from Colonnade underpass to King’s Walk promenade along the completed first section of new sea wall has been temporarily closed since Autumn last year to keep everyone safe while the team has been working night and day in the confined space.

But with heavy machinery now removed from the beach and new paving installed, Network Rail will be reopening the first span underneath the viaduct to allow the public onto this section once more.

The new link bridge, stilling basin area and promenade, and beach between Colonnade and Coastguard breakwaters will remain closed for now while work continues in this area.
 
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Dawlish sea wall latest progress 2 Feb 2023​

Alina Wolfe-Murray, Network Rail senior sponsor, said:

“It’s great to see the new public areas really taking shape – we are making good progress. We have faced some considerable challenges during construction; not least the discovery of an uncharted gas main last summer which pushed our programme back by several weeks.

“We faced further delays over the winter when heavy rain, wind and freezing temperatures – which caused widespread disruption across the country including on the rail network – slowed down or prevented activities such as pouring concrete and grouting paving.

“The recent better weather has allowed us to push forward with creating the new public area around the stilling basin, where 140,000 granite blocks that make up the surface are being laid by hand.

“We’re pleased to say step-free access to King’s Walk and the beach is due to reopen on Saturday 25 February and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience while it has been closed.

“There’s still work to do and we are working to get it completed as soon as we can, depending on the weather. We’re looking forward to opening up more of the public areas later this Spring.”
 
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Dawlish sea wall latest progress 3 Feb 2023​

Alan Cox, Managing Director, Transport, for BAM Nuttall said:

“Our work with Network Rail at Dawlish is proof that great things can come from adversity. It’s a project that has exhibited incredible ingenuity and collaboration from everyone involved right from the outset back in February 2014. The physical challenges of the site have really tested the problem-solving skills of our engineers but the results are there for all to see. I’m particularly proud of the innovation that has been demonstrated, from the use of the WaveWalker to install piling to the use of low carbon concrete in the construction of the sea wall itself.

“Our work in Dawlish was always going to bring us into close contact with the local community and the efforts made by our team to communicate with and keep our neighbours informed about developments have been nothing short of exemplary. It’s a job that will leave a lasting legacy for the town, for the Great Western Railway and its customers. Like me, I am sure that it’s a project that the team will look back on with a great deal of pride and satisfaction.”
 
24th February 2023

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Major sustainable travel proposals for Newport city centre unveiled​

Proposals to make major sustainable travel improvements in Newport city centre have been unveiled.

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Newport Old Green roundabout​

Proposals to make major sustainable travel improvements in Newport city centre have been unveiled.

The plans, which were released by Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Newport City Council today (Friday 24 February), set out a series of improvements to Newport railway station, Queensway and Old Green roundabout.

Members of the public are being invited to give their views as part of a six-week public consultation on the proposals which runs from today until 6 April.

The proposals include:
  • A new public transport interchange at Newport rail station, linking rail and bus services, making the station a hub for sustainable travel
  • A new interchange to replace Old Green roundabout, with priority access lanes for buses and simplified active travel routes which are convenient and attractive for all users
  • Better active travel links between Old Green, the city centre and the riverfront.
The proposals take forward key recommendations of the South East Wales Transport Commission which are being overseen by the Burns Delivery Unit.

The unit, which is led by Transport for Wales, in partnership with Welsh Government and local authorities of Newport, Monmouthshire and Cardiff, is developing a sustainable travel network across south-east Wales.

Once completed, the network will make walking, cycling and using public transport the easy option for people.

Geoff Ogden, chief transport planning and development officer at Transport for Wales, said:

“The proposals outlined in the consultation have the potential to significantly improve travel in Newport by providing better links between rail and bus and better routes for walking, wheeling and cycling.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to have their say on the consultation, to help shape these important plans for the city.”

Lee Waters MS, Welsh Government deputy minister for climate change with responsibility for transport, said:

“Developing active travel routes alongside bus and rail services is central to our plans to make sustainable transport a viable alternative to using the car.

“I am pleased to see Burns Delivery Unit, Transport for Wales and local authorities working together to make these plans a reality, ensuring the right thing to do is the easiest thing to do for the people of Newport.”

Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said:

“building a stronger, greener Newport for is a priority for the council. Improving access to public transport and active travel options is an important part of this work.

“The proposals we have developed with our partners will hopefully help people to become less dependent on cars while delivering real, sustainable change for our city.

“These proposals are for the people of Newport, and I would urge everybody who lives, works and visits the city to take a look at the plans and let us know what you think.”
 
In 2019, the South East Wales Transport Commission, chaired by Lord Burns, investigated sustainable ways to tackle congestion on the M4 in south-east Wales.

Lord Burns found many people do not have good transport alternatives to the motorway and significant new transport options were needed.

The Burns Delivery Unit was set up in 2021 to oversee work to implement the 58 recommendations published by the commission in November 2020, all focussing on supporting people to make more sustainable travel choices.

More information on the work of the unit can be found at https://tfw.wales/projects/burns-delivery-unit

You can view Newport Central Flythrough video below:

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www.youtube.com

NewportCentral Flythrough English v3 230217

www.youtube.com www.youtube.com

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24th February 2023

Three months disruption for services through Carstairs​

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Avanti West Coast Pendolino at Carstairs station

For the next three months, train services through Carstairs will be disrupted because of major engineering works to remodel Carstairs Junction, which is a key point in the West Coast Mainline linking Glasgow and Edinburgh to London.

The junction is currently a bottleneck to services, but between 4th March and 30th May, the junction will be remodelled in a £164 million project to simplify and upgrade the track layout to clear the bottleneck to make it more reliable and better able to cope with traffic demands.

Whilst the works are taking place, services between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley via Carstairs will be affected, which will also affect customers in Carstairs, Carluke, Wishaw, and Motherwell, and passengers from those stations should plan ahead and know their travel options.

The work will also affect Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, and CrossCountry services, and customers using these services should check with their operator to see how their journey will be affected.

From Saturday, 4th March no services will operate between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley via Carstairs. However, ScotRail will operate the following amended peak-time services:
  • 07.05 Glasgow Central to Edinburgh via Carstairs will be diverted via Shotts. Buses will be provided from Carstairs, Carluke, Wishaw and Motherwell so that customers can connect at Bellshill.
  • 07.18 Carstairs to Glasgow Central High Level and 07.39 Carstairs to Garscadden via Glasgow Central Low Level will start at Wishaw.
  • 17.37 Anderston to Carstairs will terminate at Wishaw.
Valid train tickets between Carstairs and Glasgow Central will be accepted on Stuarts Coaches’ 37 and 137 services between Carstairs and Lanark, where customers will be able to connect with ScotRail services between Lanark and Glasgow Central High Level and provide customers in Carstairs with an hourly service to and from Glasgow.

Customers in Carluke, Wishaw, and Motherwell, will all be able to use the half-hourly ScotRail service between Lanark and Glasgow Central.

For customers travelling travel to and from Edinburgh Waverley, a replacement bus service will run approximately every two hours, between Carluke, Carstairs, and Fauldhouse, where customers can connect with services from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts.
 
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ScotRail recommends that customers from Carluke, Wishaw, and Motherwell, should use the Lanark to Glasgow Central service and change trains at Bellshill and travel to Edinburgh on services from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts.

Customers should be aware that the journey will take longer than the normal service via Carstairs.

Throughout the upgrade works, the ticket office at Carstairs station will be closed, and customers are recommended to buy their tickets via the mTicket system on the ScotRail app.

A valid ticket will be required before boarding rail replacement buses.

Further information about the Carstairs Junction improvement work can be found at scotlandsrailway.com/projects/carstairs-modernisation

David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:

“The remodelled layout and enhancements Network Rail is carrying out at Carstairs will deliver increased reliability and resilience of the infrastructure which will benefit ScotRail customers for years to come.

“It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to deliver a modern, reliable, efficient rail network that is fit for the future.
“We’re urging customers to plan ahead and know their travel options as their normal journey might be different while this work is taking place. Some journey times will be longer, but we will keep you moving.

“You can find out more about our alternative travel plan and what it means for your own journey by visiting the ScotRail website or by downloading our free mobile app.”

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland Route Director, said:

“Carstairs Junction is coming to the end of its life cycle and with the volume of freight and passenger trains passing through each week it’s important that we modernise this part of the network.

“By completing this crucial upgrade work we will improve the capabilities and reliability of this strategically important junction, providing better future journeys for passengers and more capacity for freight.

“There’s never a good time to close such an important line but this is a huge and extremely complex piece of work that will safeguard the future of the route for years to come.

“We appreciate that this will cause some inconvenience and would like to thank customers for their patience during this time.”
 
24th February 2023

Network Rail to deal with a deteriorating embankment on the East Suffolk line​

Preparations are underway to see the mile-long embankment widened in order to stabilise it north of Martlesham on the Ipswich to Lowestoft line.​

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Signage slipping down deteriorating embankment​

A deteriorating mile-long embankment on the Ipswich to Lowestoft line is set to be widened in order to stabilise it and will see Network Rail engineers working for 13 consecutive days north of Martlesham.

The work will take place from Saturday the 25th of March to Thursday the 6th of April.

Rail replacement buses will be in operation between Ipswich and Saxmundham for the duration of the project except for the 30th of March to the 1st of April due to industrial action which will see no services operating whatsoever on the East Suffolk line including rail replacement buses.

The essential work is being carried out as the top part of the embankment is moving away which means that vital signalling equipment and signage are slowly slipping down the bank which could impact the safe and reliable running of the line into the future.

At present, the same area features no walkway to allow rail workers access along the embankment which is severely hampering the team’s ability to carry out the maintenance work and the essential maintenance project will also see further space created for a new walkway.

The line heading towards Ipswich is also set to see track replacement and this cannot take place until the stabilising work is completed.

The upcoming 13-day period of work follows on from a number of working weekends throughout December and February which saw almost 3 miles of track replaced on different areas of the East Suffolk Line between Westerfield and Woodbridge stations.

Some parts of the tracks were laid approximately 100 years ago and featured joints in between different sections, the newly installed track is a continuously welded rail and will see a noise reduction for the local community.
 
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Track replacement work in progress​

Further work which took place during this time saw engineers complete the replacement of ballast and sleepers as well as improve the surfaces at three level crossings in the Woodbridge area making them much safer and easier to use for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

A further two sets of crossings are set to see improvement work in the Woodbridge area on the 25th and 26th of March.

Network Rail wishes to thank both passengers and lineside neighbours for their patience during this period of work as they work towards reducing faults and delays for Greater Anglia’s services.

Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer, said:

“I want to thank everyone for their patience during the recent weekend closures, and I’m sorry that passengers will now face an extended stretch of bus replacement. However, the major work on this steep, high embankment is a vital part of making the East Suffolk Line fit for the future. It will help us avoid sudden disruption or closures, and pave the way for more much-needed track replacement.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said:

“This improvement work will help make trains even more punctual along the East Suffolk Line. Our new trains are already providing a very good service on the route and this engineering work will help ensure we can continue to deliver high standards of performance on a consistent basis and provide a more comfortable journey for passengers.

“A rail replacement bus service will run between Ipswich and Saxmundham so customers can complete their journeys. We would advise everyone to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey. We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work is carried out.”

Saxmunhdam car park will be closed whilst the stabilising project is underway as rail replacement buses will be using it.

Rail replacement buses will not be able to carry full-sized bikes and e-scooters.

Whilst the essential work is underway, further strike action is set to go ahead and passengers are advised to check their travel plans ahead of making a journey via greateranglia.co.uk or nationalrail.co.uk

Please note that train services will also be impacted on days following the strike action.
 
24th February 2023

‘Step back to the 1940s’ weekends on the Severn Valley Railway​

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1940's at the SVR​

On two weekends this summer, the Severn Valley Railway will take visitors back to the 1940s with its ever-popular ‘Step Back to the 1940s’ weekends.

On 24th and 25th June and 1st and 2nd July, all of the stations along the 16-mile line will recreate a festival of forties-themed fun.

Music, dancing, food, displays, vehicles, and costumed re-enactors will take visitors back in time to the British home front in the 1940s.

The railway is also encouraging visitors to dress up in 1940s outfits to fully create the spirit of those times.
 
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Stepping Back to the 1940s at the Severn Valley Railway

During these weekends all services will be steam-hauled, and passengers will be able to get on and off the trains wherever they wish.

Each day will feature a host of exciting and engaging activities, including speeches by Winston Churchill, 1940s singers and dancers, a wartime wedding, and fun jitterbug sessions.

At Highley, the Engine House will be full of vintage traders who will help visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience and era in style.

However, visitors should be on the lookout for shady spivs who’ll be up to no good if they think they can get away with it!

A special attraction and a first for the Severn Valley Railway throughout the June weekend will be a replica Spitfire aeroplane on display outside The Engine House, as well as an iconic Merlin engine that will regularly roar into life.
 
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Step Back to the 1940s at the Severn Valley Railway

During the July weekend, the replica Spitfire and Merlin engine will be replaced by a range of vintage fairground games and rides such as swing boats, hook-a-duck, and tin can alley.

To complement the 1940s theme, the Severn Valley’s home-based locomotive Taw Valley, which last year was repainted in an unforgettable purple livery in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, will be revealed in a shining ‘wartime black’ paint to fit in perfectly with the 1940s events.

On both weekends, Kidderminster station will host ever-popular Big Band Shows on the Saturday evenings, but this year a specially built dance floor will be in place so revellers can let their hair down and ‘get in the mood’ of the 1940s.

“We’ve already been planning our 2023 weekends for the best part of six months,” said volunteer organiser Dave Brattan.

“This year we’ve focussed on adding new features that we think will delight both regular attendees and a whole new audience who fancy stepping back to the 1940s for the very first time.”

Fellow organiser Paul Bowler added

“It’s about showing people what life was like on the 1940s home front, rationing of food and clothing was everywhere, but the hardships endured by everyone formed a spirit of camaraderie between people of all classes.

“Women in particular played a key role, taking on the traditional work of men in the factories and fields. Very importantly, it’s about having a wonderful day out, and our vintage entertainers will make sure the whole thing goes with swing and style!”
 
24th February 2023

TSSA Union accepts Rail Delivery Group’s pay and conditions offer​

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London Victoria Station platforms 3 & 4​

Members of the TSSA Union have voted to accept a pay offer of at least 9% over two years, bringing the dispute with the union to an end.

This means that TSSA members in general and management grades will be eligible to receive backdated pay rises of 5% for 2022 and 4% for 2023, with those in the lowest pay grades being offered a minimum of £1750, or an increase of 13% of 2022/23 pay packets.

As with other offers sent to other rail unions, the proposals set out reforms that will support funding the pay increases, including a new multi-skilled station role.

New part-time contracts will encourage a more diverse workforce, while voluntary working on Sundays will be formalised to meet the demand for weekend services.

The news comes after the RMT rejected a similar offer last month, refusing to let its members have their say on the offer with a vote.

Steve Montgomery, Chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said:

“This is a positive breakthrough which shows these disputes can be resolved when members are given an opportunity to have their say in a democratic vote. TSSA members have sent a clear message that they welcome this fair offer, which means that those on the lowest pay are now eligible for a rise of over 13%, with all grades receiving at least a 9% rise in their 2022/23 pay packets.

“We hope that the RMT leadership will take this opportunity to reconsider their rejection of our equivalent offer, call off their unnecessary and disruptive strikes and allow their members a referendum on their own deal.”
 
24th February 2023

Flying Scotsman centenary celebrations at Edinburgh Waverley​

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Flying Scotsman at Kings Cross​

It was 100 years ago today, Friday, 24th February 2023 that Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous steam locomotive, set off on its first journey from its birthplace at Doncaster Works.

Flying Scotsman is now a national treasure and a star attraction for the National Railway Museum in York, where it is a working museum exhibit.
 
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Flying Scotsman departs Bury Bolton Street on the East Lancashire Railway

To mark today’s centenary, UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has released a new poem, The Making of Flying Scotsman, which pays homage to the celebrity engine as a feat of British design and engineering that has inspired a love of rail in generations of families and become synonymous with the golden age of rail travel.

Simon Armitage, commenting about the inspiration behind his new work, said: “Flying Scotsman is a poem. I just had to write it down.”

Simon’s poem, The Making of Flying Scotsman, is now on display as part of a new exhibition, Flying Scotsman: 100 Years, 100 Voices, at the National Railway Museum, that opened two weeks and celebrates the legacy of the locomotive through the lives it has touched.

Flying Scotsman has recently had a fresh coat of paint, and today it made a fleeting appearance at Edinburgh Waverley station where Simon Armitage read his poem whilst dancers from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society performed ‘The Flying Scotsman’, devised by Hugh Thurston in 1966.

A performance from the Celtic rock band, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, rounded off the event.

Also announced today is a series of new Scottish events, including two main line rail tours and a visit to a heritage railway, details of these and the rest of Flying Scotsman’s centenary events can be found at https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk

The Flying Scotsman centenary programme has been generously supported by Hornby Hobbies (Lead Sponsor) and has also been made possible thanks to the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

Flying Scotsman was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and was the first locomotive to be built by the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway, and was named in 1924 after the daily 10am London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley service.

After withdrawal from British Rail in 1963 it entered preservation and toured the USA, Canada, and Australia.

A campaign spearheaded by the National Railway Museum was launched in 2004 to save Flying Scotsman for the nation and amassed the support of thousands, confirming its status as a national treasure.

The appeal to keep the locomotive in Britain was supported by a £1.8 million grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and its restoration was funded with the help of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £275,000.

Anyone unable to view Flying Scotsman on its centenary tour can still experience the locomotive through exhibitions including Flying Scotsman: 100 Years, 100 Voices, Flying Scotsman VR.
 
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