J Murphy & Sons has been appointed to develop a new railway station for Chelmsford’s Beaulieu development in Essex. It is the second of two contracts awarded by Network Rail. The £124 million contract includes main construction work for the new station on behalf of partners Essex County Council and
As part of its international growth strategy The Maynard Design Group are pleased to welcome Julian Robinson, former Head of Architecture at The Elizabeth line (Crossrail) as a consultant to the team. He joins with 30 years’ experience in transport design having previously worked on other flagship transport projects such
A new online tool to help the rail industry measure the social value of its investments, infrastructure projects and day-to-day operations has been launched today. The Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT), co-funded by Network Rail, is provided by the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) and Loop (formerly Social Profit Calculator).
Work on the UK’s longest railway bridge ramped up this week as HS2 began production of 1,000 enormous concrete segments that will form the deck of the Colne Valley Viaduct. Stretching for 2.1 miles (3.4km) across a series of lakes and waterways just outside London, the viaduct will carry high-speed
The Railway Industry Association (RIA), the voice of the UK rail supply community, has announced a new partnership with exhibition organisers Mack Brooks for their upcoming rail trade show Infrarail, taking place for the first time at Olympia London from 12 to 14 May 2020. The partnership will see RIA
More than 350,000 trees have been planted by HS2 as part of efforts to create a Green Corridor of trees and wildlife along the route of the new railway. As well as improving connectivity, boosting the economy and unlocking new jobs and opportunities, HS2 will also work for the environment
Transport Minister Andrew Jones MP, visited Birmingham today to see how works are progressing at the region’s main HS2 sites. As one of the most intensive construction sections along the 140 mile London to Birmingham section of the route, the West Midlands is set to benefit from two brand new
The latest designs for HS2 west London super-hub at Old Oak Common have been unveiled. Kick-starting the UK’s largest regeneration project, the new high speed station aims to transform the former railway and industrial area, into a new neighbourhood supporting up to 65,000 jobs and 25,500 new homes. The high-speed
HS2 will release images of two of its brand new stations, marking a significant milestone for the programme, cementing the project’s commitment to the Midlands and emphasising the region’s place at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network. The images will be released at Birmingham Library at the first
Passengers have been urged by Network Rail to plan their journeys in advance as the rail company delivers more than 400 projects, part of a £84 million investment across the country. A 9,600-strong workforce will work around the clock over the bank holiday weekend to deliver more reliable infrastructure, improved
BDC 322 : Nov 2024
J Murphy & Sons has been appointed to develop a new railway station for Chelmsford’s Beaulieu development in Essex. It is the second of two contracts awarded by Network Rail. The £124 million contract includes main construction work for the new station on behalf of partners Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council. This phase of the work includes the construction for the new station facility, the associated infrastructure, and progress towards opening to train services for the benefit of passengers. As part of a wider regeneration scheme, the new station has been designed to support the economic development of the Beaulieu area and its construction will include: Beaulieu Park station is currently expected to be completed by end of 2025. Once open, the station will be managed by Greater Anglia and served by its fleet of new trains with services into London. Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “J Murphy and Sons have made an excellent start with the enabling and civils works and this contract award will allow us to seamlessly continue to deliver this amazing new station for Chelmsford without pause. “Beaulieu Park station is an excellent example of what the railway industry can do when working in partnership with local organisations to improve the railway for the benefit of communities and businesses by delivering a new station for the Beaulieu community.”
As part of its international growth strategy The Maynard Design Group are pleased to welcome Julian Robinson, former Head of Architecture at The Elizabeth line (Crossrail) as a consultant to the team. He joins with 30 years’ experience in transport design having previously worked on other flagship transport projects such as the Jubilee Line Extension and St Pancras International station. The Maynard Design Group, was a key part of the team responsible for the Line wide design of The Elizabeth line (Crossrail) which launched to a public fanfare on 24 May 2022 with some 500,000 users on the first day, and two million in the first week. Julian’s new role will be to bring his strategic knowledge and delivery experience to the group and future clients. Julian Maynard, Managing Director of Maynard Design Group, said: “I have known Julian for 25+ years since we worked side by side on the Jubilee Line Extension under the renowned architect Roland Paoletti. I led the Line wide team and Julian was the Architect at Canning Town Station. Crossrail gave us the opportunity to work together again, this time with Julian as our client. “I am looking forward to this collaboration which will help us in the next steps of our growth strategy within the transport sector.” Julian Robinson said: “Delivering the Elizabeth line has been an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience. Julian and I hold great respect for each other having worked together in various guises since 1995, and I’m pleased to be able to continue working alongside him and supporting the talented Maynard Design Group of businesses.” Maynard Design Group announced in March that it had acquired Transport Design Consultancy (TDC) in a major merger for the global transport design industry. With the Elizabeth line (Crossrail) launching last month, the projects the Group have worked on now serve over 3.5 billion passenger journeys per year globally including major hubs in Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, India, the Far East and several flagship schemes in the UK.
A new online tool to help the rail industry measure the social value of its investments, infrastructure projects and day-to-day operations has been launched today. The Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT), co-funded by Network Rail, is provided by the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) and Loop (formerly Social Profit Calculator). The RSVT allows the rail industry to forecast, monitor and evaluate the social value of its activities. This is about measuring the impact on the welfare and wellbeing of both individuals and wider society, the net positive (or negative) social, economic and fiscal value that a project, organisation or specific initiative generates. With 500 indicators, organised across 12 social impacts, the RSVT can measure and monetise a wide range of benefits. These include: Improving safety Jobs created, apprentices employed and training provided Change to air quality Increasing biodiversity, by protecting and boosting plant and animal life, and planting trees Curriculum enrichment support for young people Design features that make rail travel more accessible and inclusive Employee and community volunteering Co-designing infrastructure and services with communities The RSVT has undergone extensive testing since November 2021 by early adopters, including Network Rail and companies in its supply chain. Liz Holford, Network Rail’s Sustainability Strategy manager (Social Performance) said: “The launch of the Rail Social Value Tool is an important milestone which enables our industry to make a step-change in how we understand and manage our impacts on people. “We’re already using the tool to forecast and maximise the social value of station redevelopments and infrastructure enhancements as well as current projects and some completed ones, and we’re looking forward to using it further to manage and improve the impact our railway has on society.” George Davies, RSSB’s Director for Sustainable Development said: “It’s fantastic to see the Rail Social Value Tool launched today. It’s a first for the rail industry, and I would like to thank everyone involved in its development. “Rail is one of the most sustainable forms of transport. However, until now, we haven’t been able to measure its social value in sufficient detail. “We can now assess, and importantly place a financial value on the effect the railway has in a number of areas including the natural environment, communities, people and their health, cultural heritage, housing, inclusivity, and distribution of opportunities. “As we transform the Railway and deliver the vision of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, the Rail Social Value Tool will guide decisions on rail development across the country to ensure the best return on those investments for society.” Gerard Toplass, Group Chief Executive, Loop said: “We are proud to have worked with RSSB and the wider rail sector to help them deliver the Rail Social Value Tool. Together we have developed 449 measures (KPIs) across 12 social value impact areas that cover people, sustainability and economic activity. “It is a first for the industry, and our software team worked in true collaboration with RSSB to develop a simple and accessible tool that can be used throughout the supply-chain and is aligned to the sector’s needs and objectives.Over the next 5 years we look forward to further developing the tool and helping the rail sector continue to deliver measured social value.”
Work on the UK’s longest railway bridge ramped up this week as HS2 began production of 1,000 enormous concrete segments that will form the deck of the Colne Valley Viaduct. Stretching for 2.1 miles (3.4km) across a series of lakes and waterways just outside London, the viaduct will carry high-speed trains as part of the HS2 project, designed to improve rail links between London, Birmingham and North, boost the economy and provide a low carbon alternative to car and air travel. The huge deck segments – which weigh up to 140 tonnes – are being made on site at a temporary factory built specifically for the project. The mammoth 100m long building, which is visible from the M25, has an internal volume of 105,000 cubic metres – making it larger than the Royal Albert Hall. HS2 Project Client, David Emms said: “We’re already making strong progress on the Colne Valley Viaduct – sinking the foundations, building the first piers, and now starting production at the new modular viaduct factory. Once complete, this iconic structure will carry trains at up to 200mph – improving connections across the UK, freeing up rail capacity and offering passengers low carbon travel options. “It’s great to see how much progress has been made and I look forward to seeing work on assembling the deck structure later this year.” Every segment will be a slightly different shape depending on where it fits into the viaduct and the modular approach was chosen to ensure quality, safety and efficiency in production and to avoid bringing them in by road. At the peak of construction, around 12 segments – each the size of a double-decker bus – will be cast every week using a ‘match-casting’ technique. This approach – where each segment is poured against the previous one – will ensure the whole arch fits perfectly when reassembled on site. The huge project is being led by engineers from HS2’s main works contractor Align JV – a team made up of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick. Once construction is complete, the factory and surrounding buildings will be removed and the whole area between the viaduct and the Chiltern tunnel will be transformed into an area of chalk grassland and woodland as part of HS2’s ‘green corridor’ project. Daniel Altier, Align Project Director “Seeing the first deck segments being cast in the factory marks a significant milestone for the project. The design of the viaduct is such that each segment will be unique, delivering a structure which I have no doubt will be one of the most striking elements of HS2 once complete. “I would like to thank all the Align team and our supply chain partners that have enabled us to get to where we are today and in particular VSL, Danny Sullivan, Sendin and Tarmac.” The design of the Colne Valley Viaduct was inspired by the flight of a stone skipping across the water, with a series of elegant spans, some up to 80m long, carrying the railway around 10m above the surface of the lakes, River Colne and Grand Union Canal. Set low into the landscape, wider spans will carry the viaduct crosses the lakes, with narrower spans for the approaches. This design was chosen to enable views across the landscape, minimise the viaduct’s footprint on the lakes and help complement views across the natural surroundings. Work has also begun on the 56 giant piers that will support the viaduct, working from north to south. Weighing in at around 370 tonnes, the first 6m tall reinforced concrete pier was cast on site by a team of engineers who used a specially-designed formwork to create the shape of the structure. This was then removed after 4 days to reveal the final product. Each pier is designed to support the full weight of the deck above and rests on a set of concrete piles going up to 55m into the ground. This foundation work began earlier this year and will require the construction of 292 piles and 56 pile caps across the whole length of the viaduct. Once complete, the team will then use a specialised ‘launching girder’ resting on top of the piers to lift the deck segments into position. In another visible sign of progress on the project, the team have also completed the construction of the first two of four jetties across the lakes to get equipment into position to support the construction thereby taking construction vehicles off local roads. Where the viaduct crosses the lakes, the piles are being bored directly into the lakebed, using a cofferdam to hold back the water while the pier is constructed.
The Railway Industry Association (RIA), the voice of the UK rail supply community, has announced a new partnership with exhibition organisers Mack Brooks for their upcoming rail trade show Infrarail, taking place for the first time at Olympia London from 12 to 14 May 2020. The partnership will see RIA organise at the show: The RIA Hub: An allocated space for RIA members that provides promotional benefits to the companies that exhibit there; The RIA Business Forum: A unique platform where visitors can hear from and engage with key industry figures, including clients, Tier 1 suppliers and more, about the latest projects, business opportunities and developments in rail; The RIA Pavilion: A new area with corner stands where smaller companies and individuals who did not attend Infrarail in 2018 can exhibit. Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association, said: “It’s great to be partnering with Mack Brooks for Infrarail 2020. Infrarail is one of the leading trade shows for rail infrastructure providers and a great opportunity for professionals to meet and network.” “We’re delighted that the Railway Industry Association will be providing a number of activities across the three days, including organising presentations in the RIA Business Forum and offering a specific area for RIA member stands, with additional promotional benefits of being part of the RIA Hub. And, for the first time ever, we’re offering a new RIA Pavilion where smaller companies and individuals that are new to Infrarail can exhibit at corner stands, thereby offering a cost-effective way for these organisations to promote themselves and to see the value Infrarail provides.” “We look forward to seeing the industry come together in May for Infrarail 2020!” Nicola Hamann, Managing Director at Mack Brooks Exhibitions, said: “We are very pleased that RIA is continuing its long-term partnership with Infrarail. Their presence enhances the show considerably, providing excellent networking opportunities for professionals at the event.”
More than 350,000 trees have been planted by HS2 as part of efforts to create a Green Corridor of trees and wildlife along the route of the new railway. As well as improving connectivity, boosting the economy and unlocking new jobs and opportunities, HS2 will also work for the environment and local communities. The Green Corridor consists of new wildlife habitats, native woodlands and community spaces to help integrate the new railway into its surrounding landscape and environment. Eventually, HS2 will plant seven million new trees and shrubs on Phase One of the railway. More than 40 different species of tree are being grown at a specialist nursery in Lincolnshire, including species that are native to each area that HS2 passes through. In total, 48 habitat mitigation sites have been created along Phase One of the railway, which include trees, grassland, ponds, wildlife refuges, reptile basking banks, and structures for bat and barn owl homes. One of the sites is Decoypond Wood, part of the Bernwood Forest area of Buckinghamshire, where mitigation work has already started. HS2’s enabling works contractor Fusion and their suppliers Forkers are currently completing the planting of over 1,000 trees at the site. This has been designed to create a new flight path for a rare species of bat known as the Bechstein’s Bat which is native to this area. Further north on the route, on the banks of the River Tame in the north of Coleshill in Warwickshire, HS2’s landscape architects WSP and early works contractor LM JV have recently finished a new wildlife habitat which contains a mix of grassland and wetland areas, providing a home in which the endangered water vole can thrive. In addition to the mitigation works, HS2 has a number of different funds, projects and partnerships designed specifically to support the environment and communities. Community and Environment Funds and Business and Local Economy Funds have seen £2.5m awarded across 47 projects in 14 constituencies. Among the successful bids was Forest Enterprise England who secured £450,000 CEF funding towards the creation of a visitors hub at Wendover Woods which it is hoped will attract 420,000 visitors and £4.3m into the rural economy each year. Work is also taking place in the Colne Valley and Chilterns Area of Natural Beauty where a £3m fund has been set up in each area by HS2 to deliver individual environmental projects. In the Colne Valley, 12 projects have already been funded worth over £800,000. Additionally, £1 million has been allocated through the HS2 Woodland Fund, which will see 18 projects deliver 85ha of new woodland and 50ha of ancient woodland restoration. Peter Miller, HS2 Environment Director, said: “Our ecological work is really important in reducing our environmental footprint and minimising the expected impact of our construction work. “Green Corridor and the various funds we are making available along Phase One of the route have seen our work on the ground accelerate over the last 12 months as we prepare for the main works. “This will continue and people can expect to see new sites developed in the years to come and the gradual emergence of the new Green Corridor along the route.” Watch the HS2 Green Corridor film here
Transport Minister Andrew Jones MP, visited Birmingham today to see how works are progressing at the region’s main HS2 sites. As one of the most intensive construction sections along the 140 mile London to Birmingham section of the route, the West Midlands is set to benefit from two brand new stations and an infrastructure maintenance depot, creating jobs and opportunities for local people now and into the future. Work at the city-centre based Curzon Street site has transformed the area in preparation for Birmingham’s brand new HS2 station: The site spans 25,000 square metres, and 20,000 tonnes of concrete have been broken up, crushed and ready be re-used on site. Two building are being demolished at the site of the former Unite student accommodation which covers an area of 3,000 square metres. This will yield around 30,000 tonnes of material, with works being undertaken by the Birmingham-based demolitions firm, DSM. The extensive archaeology programme on site is already revealing facts about the development of Birmingham, and archaeology works will continue into the summer. Signs that Birmingham is getting HS2-ready continue 2.5 miles away in Washwood Heath, as another local Midlands firm Total Reclaims Demolition makes way for HS2’s new train maintenance depot: The immense old site of the Alstom Rail Depot is 110,282 square metres – the size of 15 football pitches – and will yield 412,000 tonnes of material that will be recycled. With 50,000 hours of labour required to clear the site, the team is now 75% of the way through the work programme. Situated in the heart of one of Birmingham’s most deprived wards and constituencies, the site has been neglected for almost 15 years. The new depot will play a pivotal role in regenerating the area, and once complete over 500 jobs will provide opportunities for local people. Through HS2 Ltd’s supply chain, twelve local residents have already been supported into jobs through early works contractor LM-JV and security firm Servest. They are playing a crucial role in ensuring that safety standards are maintained at HS2’s work sites right across the West Midlands. Birmingham based LM, a joint venture of Laing O’Rourke and J Murphy & Sons Ltd, has been working on behalf of HS2, paving the way for the new high speed line. Work over an 80 km trace across the West Midlands has included route clearance and ecological habitat creation as well as demolition works. Fifteen miles further afield, in the borough of Solihull, vegetation clearance works and trenching have now been carried out at the triangular-shaped site which will be home to the brand new Interchange station site. Transport Minister Andrew Jones MP said: “HS2 is an incredible project that will transform our railway network, boosting capacity on our busiest lines, better connecting Birmingham with large cities across the country and building the Midlands Engine. “The scale of works happening in Birmingham show the huge progress being made on HS2; they also show first-hand the fantastic jobs and opportunities HS2 is providing people across the country; I cannot wait to see the results of further construction, and for this vital railway to become a reality.” Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd’s CEO said: “Curzon Street will be the cornerstone of the new railway, putting Birmingham at the heart of the network. The transformation around this area demonstrates exactly how Britain’s new high-speed railway will drive forward regeneration and economic growth across the West Midlands. “Across Phase One, we’ve now carried out environmental and ecological mitigation works, utility diversions, archaeology, demolition and land clearance works, all of which are drawing to a close ready for major construction works starting later this year.” Paul Faulkner, CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said: “HS2 is already playing a huge part of the Midlands’ success story, and when completed will add £14 billion to the West Midlands economy, supporting 100,000 jobs. Hundreds of Midlands businesses are already supporting the project, and there are more opportunities for firms across the region as the programme progresses.” Photo caption: L-R Liam Evans (LMJV) Christina Wallace (HS2), Argiro Alexandri (HS2), Andrew Jones MP, Paul Faulkner (Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce), Richard Kirkham (LMJV),
The latest designs for HS2 west London super-hub at Old Oak Common have been unveiled. Kick-starting the UK’s largest regeneration project, the new high speed station aims to transform the former railway and industrial area, into a new neighbourhood supporting up to 65,000 jobs and 25,500 new homes. The high-speed platforms will be built below ground with connections to the adjoining ground level conventional station with an overbridge to Elizabeth line (Crossrail) trains, to Heathrow and central London. The current station design also includes the potential for provision of future services to Wales and the west of England from Old Oak Common. The two halves of the station will be linked by a light and airy concourse with a soaring roof inspired by the site’s industrial heritage. The six 450 m HS2 platforms will be built in a 1 km long underground box, with twin tunnels taking high-speed trains east to the terminus at Euston and west to the outskirts of London. Passengers will be taken down to the HS2 platforms by escalators, while a new public park will be built above them. Material excavated during work on the tunnels will be removed by rail from the nearby former Willesden Euroterminal depot. The long-term planning and development of the wider site is being led by the Mayor’s Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, which is planning a mixed-use development, with commercial, residential and leisure uses. “The arrival of HS2 has the potential to transform Old Oak Common, unlocking thousands of new jobs and homes around the UK’s best connected transport hub. Linking HS2 and Crossrail, our new station will be a landmark piece of architecture at the heart of the development, designed around the passenger to ensure seamless, accessible and stress-free travel. We want the community to be a part of the design process and we are asking for their views on the latest plans,” said Matthew Botelle, HS2’s Old Oak Common Project Director. HS2 is currently working to clear the site and prepare the ground for the start of construction, later this year.
HS2 will release images of two of its brand new stations, marking a significant milestone for the programme, cementing the project’s commitment to the Midlands and emphasising the region’s place at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network. The images will be released at Birmingham Library at the first of a series of public engagement events during October, which give people the opportunity to see the new designs and give feedback. Curzon Street station in central Birmingham will be the first brand new intercity station built in Britain since 19th century, create a new landmark for the city and boost opportunities for regeneration in the city. Opening with seven high speed platforms in 2026, the new station will not only be for high speed rail passengers, it will be a brand new public space in Birmingham city centre. It will be fully integrated into an extended tram network, as well as offering pedestrian, cycle, taxi, bus and conventional rail connections to the rest of the city and the wider West Midlands. Interchange station will be a new major gateway station for the region, part of a new public transport interchange serving Solihull, the West Midlands, Birmingham Airport and the NEC. The station will help deliver longer term development and growth proposals for the area around the station, including new homes, business space and jobs. HS2 is also considering a number of extra elements to the scheme put forward by the Urban Growth Company (UGC) which aim to maximise the opportunities the new HS2 Interchange Station presents as a key catalyst for growth. WSP UK Ltd, working with Grimshaw Architects LLP is designing Curzon Street and Arup is designing Interchange station. Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport and Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, marked the start of works on the site of the future Curzon Street station last week. Works are well underway on 60 sites across the route from London to Birmingham, with over 7,000 jobs supported by the programme across the country on our way to 30,000 jobs at peak construction. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “These brand new stations will be catalysts for regeneration, creating jobs and opportunities for local people and economic benefits for Birmingham and the Midlands. Curzon Street station will put Birmingham at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network and enhance the rail connectivity for the city, whilst Interchange provides a once in a life time opportunity to help drive the growth of the region.” HS2 CEO Mark Thurston said: “Both of these new stations will be transformational for the Midlands and will create opportunities for regeneration, growth and economic benefits for the city and region. Preparatory work for the stations is well under way, with a variety of enabling works including the construction of access roads and archaeological investigations. “As part of our plans to deliver a ‘green corridor’ across the whole route, we’re also creating new ecological habitats, community and amenity spaces to help integrate the new line and our stations into the surrounding landscape and environment. All of this activity is already creating job opportunities not just in the region, but across the whole country.” Sir John Peace, Midlands Engine Chairman said: “HS2 is already a huge part of the Midlands’ success story, bringing jobs and investment with it. These pioneering new station buildings will showcase a rail revolution which has our transformed region at its core. “HS2 will be one of the most celebrated infrastructure projects in the world when trains start rolling in to Interchange and Curzon Street in 2026, with a regenerative ripple effect that will be felt across the Midlands. I can’t wait to see the stations take shape.” Both stations have been designed with features to make it easy and simple for passengers to navigate the stations, access the platforms and connect seamlessly to other forms of transport. HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani said: “Birmingham will be at the heart of HS2, and the transformation that is already taking place shows exactly how our new high-speed railway will drive forward regeneration and economic growth across the country. “Unveiling the station designs for Curzon Street and the Solihull Interchange is a milestone moment. These stations will be catalysts for local jobs and new homes, as well as giving passengers access to thousands more seats, more services and better journeys. “We also want HS2 to set a new benchmark for truly inclusive travel, creating a railway that works for everyone. The task for our designers and engineers is now to take these ideas from the drawing board to reality, building iconic stations that are accessible, safe and open to all, no matter their needs.” Carol Stitchman, WSP Design Manager on Curzon Street said: “As well as being a catalyst for regeneration, the new HS2 Curzon Street station will become a landmark destination, welcoming people to the heart of Birmingham. Our design recognises the station’s function as a place of arrival and connection. It is the only HS2 station that welcomes you with a view of the city, where you can see the city from the train, and the train from the city. “WSP has welcomed 16 new apprentices to the Curzon Street station project, as part of our 140-strong project team. We are committed to boosting the skills of Britain’s next generation while delivering this transformative project.” Neven Sidor, Lead Architect, Grimshaws, for Curzon Street station, said: “HS2’s new Curzon Street station is inspired by the best station design of the past, inspired by Britain’s pioneering railway and industrial heritage reimagined for the 21st century. The elegant sleek low arch which will make the station instantly recognisable in the surrounding area and its warm coffered soffit will join the growing list of modern Birmingham icons. The West concourse will have the ambiance of a modern airport terminal with both platform and waiting areas included in the grand arched space. The East concourse has been designed to include the historic
Passengers have been urged by Network Rail to plan their journeys in advance as the rail company delivers more than 400 projects, part of a £84 million investment across the country. A 9,600-strong workforce will work around the clock over the bank holiday weekend to deliver more reliable infrastructure, improved facilities and better services for passengers, all part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan. The major investment projects this August include: The replacement of a vital junction outside of London Euston station at North Wembley to improve reliability of services. This will see London Euston station closed not only over the bank holiday weekend (25 – 27 August), but also the 18 – 19 August and 01 – 02 September. The £200 million investment to transform the track and signalling through the Derby station area will continue over the bank holiday weekend. The 79 days of engineering began on Sunday 22 July and runs until Sunday 07 October. The investment is a key part of the biggest upgrade of the Midland Main Line, which will support better journeys between Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and London. The replacement of track near Coventry to improve the reliability of services through the area. Passengers travelling to Birmingham International Airport are advised to plan their journeys in advance as buses will replace trains between Birmingham International and Rugby. “This bank holiday weekend, thousands of rail workers across Britain will be delivering essential improvements that will lead to faster, better services and help relieve overcrowding to respond to the huge growth on Britain’s railways. While it will be business as usual on most of the network, we urge all passengers to check before they travel,” said Andy Thomas, Network Rail managing director of England and Wales. Some routes will see significant changes to normal services; therefore passengers should plan ahead of travelling this August bank holiday weekend.
