Cullercoats Metro station footbridge re-opens following major restoration work

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Cullercoats Metro station footbridge re-opens following major restoration work

A major project to refurbish the historic footbridge at Cullercoats Metro station in North Tyneside has been completed, allowing it to re-opened for customers.

Nexus, the public body which runs Metro, has invested £579,000 in the works, which formed part of its infrastructure modernisation programme. Gateshead-based G&B Civil Engineering have carried out the works on behalf of Nexus.

Restoring Cullercoats’ Victorian-era footbridge was the main focus of the project. Its wrought iron structure has been strengthened with new steelwork and the outer wooden panels and decking replaced to provide a fresher appearance and an improved customer experience.

The previously boarded-up windows have been fully renewed, with new glazing installed, vastly improving the natural light within the footbridge, and new CCTV cameras has been fitted. The decorative dagger boards on the station’s canopies have also been replaced.

The footbridge has been closed since August of last year, with an alternative walking route in place between the two station platforms. It re-opened to the public at 9am today, Wednesday 17 April.

Sarah McManus, head of renewals at Nexus, said: “We’ve invested more than half a million pounds refurbishing Cullercoats Metro station, including its historic footbridge, which was in particular need of work.

“I am pleased to say that the project has now been completed and the bridge is open for the public once again.

“Our thanks go to customers for their patience during this scheme. We appreciate that the alternative walking route between the two platforms has been an inconvenience for people.

“The works has seen the footbridge strengthened structurally, the wooden panels, the deck and the glazing all renewed. It’s a structure which has been there since 1882 so it’s been a real thrill to restore it back to its former glory.

“This project is part of our infrastructure modernisation programme, which is ensuring that we have a Metro system for many generations to come.

“Our focus on the North Tyneside coastal stations doesn’t end here. We are close to completing renewal work at Monkseaton Metro station, and our major refurbishment of the canopy at Whitley Bay Metro station remains ongoing.”

Cullercoats station was opened in 1882 by the North-Eastern Railway and was converted to a Metro station when the network opened in August 1980.

Major renewal works at two more North Tyneside Metro stations – Monkseaton and Whitley Bay – remain ongoing.

Investment in new Metro infrastructure reach £38 million in the current year to the end of March 2024. Metro’s modernisation programme is funded by the Government. A total of £446 million will have been invested on the renewal of Metro infrastructure since work began in 2010.

Image credit: Nexus

‘Bug hotels’ coming to Bentham Line stations to support biodiversity

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‘Bug hotels’ coming to Bentham Line stations to support biodiversity

Northern is set to open ‘bug hotels’ at three stations on the Bentham Line between Leeds and Morecambe as part of a project with local schools to support biodiversity.

Undergraduates working for the train operator as part of their ‘Year in Industry’ will lead the sessions with local schools, which are designed to educate schoolchildren on biodiversity and the importance of caring for local habitats.

The workshops, which are being delivered in partnership with Bentham Community Rail Partnership, will take place at schools in Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

The ‘bug hotels’ will be created from old wooden pallets and when complete will contain a variety of repurposed materials including twigs, bamboo canes and corrugated carboard.

Mike Roe, safety and environment director at Northern, said: “We’re committed to making a positive contribution to the environmental sustainability of the areas in which we operate.

“Bug hotels are a small but practical solution to increase biodiversity at our stations and I’m excited to see the end result of the hard work by our ‘Year in Industry’ colleagues and the students at the schools along the Bentham Line.”

Workshops are set to take place before the end of the summer term and stations will be selected based on their proximity to participating schools.

Gerald Townson, chairman of the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership, said; “As the railway looks to improve station and lineside environments, we are delighted that the ‘Year in Industry’ students this year have chosen a biodiversity theme for their community project.

“They are keen to work with primary school pupils in Giggleswick, Long Preston and Keighley to raise awareness of the Bentham Line’s ecology and engage the pupils in the creation of insect habitats and pollinator patches at the schools and stations.”

Image credit: Northern

LNER launches new digital information platform

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LNER launches new digital information platform

LNER customers will be able to find the latest journey updates, destination inspiration and more while they are travelling onboard, with the launch of a new one-stop digital information service.

By simply scanning a QR code on the seat, customers will be able to self-serve and have access to a variety of information. This includes the latest on their journey and connecting services, the wider rail network, facilities at their destination station, and ideas on attractions and places they could visit when they get there. Customers in Standard will also be able to order food and drink to be delivered directly to their seat using the ‘Let’s Eat At Your Seat’ service.

The new platform is being introduced across LNER’s fleet of trains. It will also provide customers with information on LNER’s loyalty programme LNER Perks, where they can receive £5 for signing up and earn credit for future journeys. There is also an option to share feedback on their journey experience. LNER has worked with Whoosh to develop the platform.

Danny Gonzalez, chief digital and innovation officer at LNER, said: “We know from our customers just how important it is for them to have the latest information about their journeys. At LNER, we believe the digital experience plays a crucial role in helping people enjoy the best possible experience when they travel with us. This is just one way we are further enhancing that experience and we will be looking to add more features in the future.”

Edmund Caldecott, CEO of Whoosh, said: “We’re so proud to have our solution being introduced on LNER services, right at the forefront of the revolution in passenger information. It is a one-stop shop for all passenger needs during their journey.”

Visit https://www.lner.co.uk/ for more information.

Image credit: LNER

The Rail Academy becomes ORR-registered

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The Rail Academy becomes ORR-registered

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has confirmed that The Rail Academy has been successful in its application to become an ORR-registered Train Driver Training and Examination Centre. The Rail Academy will now be added to the official ORR public register.

The Rail Academy, which is already one of only four companies approved by OFQUAL to carry out specialist Train Driver Apprentice End Point Assessments, is now also able to:

  • Train and assess train drivers in all areas of general professional knowledge, rolling stock and routes.
  • Provide this training and independent assessment to train drivers employed by themselves and others.
  • Support new driver’s licence applications.
  • Prepare and deliver train driver training materials, compliant with the required regulations.
  • Register train driver assessors, competent to train and assess train drivers.

The approval, confirmed on Monday 15 April, follows a thorough and comprehensive review of the company’s systems, processes and capability assessed in line with the Train Driver Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010. These regulations stipulate UK train driver training, examination and licensing requirements.

Only organisations registered by ORR may assess and licence train drivers from street to seat. The Rail Academy is the only independent, ORR-recognised Train Driver Training and Examination Centre in the UK.

Cath Bellamy, managing director said “I am absolutely delighted to receive this recognition. Training Train Drivers is necessarily tightly regulated and it must be done properly by people who are experienced, qualified and capable. We have a fantastic team at The Rail Academy and we have now demonstrated to the industry regulator we can be trusted with this important task.

“As the UK’s only independent ORR-approved centre on the register, we now offer the rail industry a brand new choice in how it trains its drivers. So many operators have restricted training and assessment resources and are struggling to cope with the demand. We can now help them deal with that challenge and look forward to getting started!”

Image credit: Istockphoto.com

Engineering works to affect trains in the Worcester area next week

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Engineering works to affect trains in the Worcester area next week

Great Western Railway (GWR) services in Hereford and Worcester will be affected by essential engineering work next week.

Ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the railway, Network Rail plans to replace the tracks between Worcester Shrub Hill and Evesham stations.

As a result, GWR trains will be affected between Evesham and Hereford as well as between Cheltenham Spa and Worcester Foregate Street from Monday 22 to Friday 26 April:

  • Trains will still run between London Paddington and Evesham via Oxford
  • Trains between Bristol Temple Meads and Worcester will terminate at Gloucester, with other train services running between Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa
  • CrossCountry will still operate train services between Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa, Ashchurch for Tewkesbury and Worcestershire Parkway
  • West Midlands Railway will still operate train services between Worcester Foregate Street and Hereford
  • Replacement buses will operate between Worcester Foregate Street and Evesham or Cheltenham Spa
  • All parking bays will be suspended in the car park at Evesham station from midnight on Thursday 18 to midnight on Friday 26 April

Billy White, GWR Station Manager for Oxford, Didcot and North Cotswolds, said:

“This improvement work forms part of an ongoing programme of maintenance, helping to ensure that we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.

“GWR will provide rail replacement services between Evesham or Cheltenham Spa and Worcester Foregate Street.

“Ticket acceptance has also been agreed to enable customers to travel on other train services between London and Worcester or Hereford instead.

“However, these alternative travel arrangements via Birmingham or Bristol Parkway will make journey times much longer, so please check before you travel.”

Mark Parker, Lead Portfolio Manager for Network Rail, said:

“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this essential track replacement in the North Cotswolds.

“Once complete, this vital work will enable continued safe and reliable services to run on this popular route for years to come.”

For the latest information, visit GWR.com/Upgrade.

Image credit: GWR

Changes to train services as major upgrades continue on Midland Main Line

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Changes to train services as major upgrades continue on Midland Main Line

Network Rail, East Midlands Railway (EMR), and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) are encouraging passengers to check their journey before travelling as major engineering work to upgrade the Midland Main Line continues throughout April and May.

Engineers will be working across upcoming weekends to upgrade existing overhead line equipment south of Bedford and to continue installing new overhead wires between Kettering and Wigston as part of the multi-million-pound Midland Main Line Upgrade.

The work will mean EMR’s new fleet of greener bi-mode trains will be able to operate at 125mph and will mean faster, quieter, and more reliable journeys for passengers travelling between the East Midlands and London.

To upgrade existing equipment, Network Rail teams will be working overnight between Bedford and Luton on Sundays throughout April and May. Rail replacement services between the stations will operate from 00.05 to 08.05 on 21 April and on the 5, 12, and 19 May.

Throughout this coming weekend, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April, maintenance to improve reliability will be taking place on the Thameslink lines through central London.

The work means there will be no cross-London Thameslink services running between St Pancras and London Bridge or Sutton/Wimbledon. Passengers should use London Underground or London Buses to cross central London.

Additionally, on Sunday morning before around 9am, buses will replace Thameslink trains between West Hampstead Thameslink and St Pancras International. Thameslink services will not call at Kentish Town all that day.

On the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May, engineers will be continuing to install new overhead line equipment between Kettering and Wigston.

A reduced train service between Sheffield / Nottingham and London St Pancras will divert around the closure with rail replacement bus services operating for passengers travelling between Leicester, Market Harborough, and Kettering.

At the same time, Network Rail teams will also be installing new switches and crossings, the specialist equipment used by trains to cross from one track to another, between Radlett and Cricklewood. A reduced train service will operate in the area throughout the weekend.

Passengers are encouraged to check their journeys before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or through their train operator.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: “Work to deliver major upgrades to the Midland Main Line is ramping up and our engineers will be working hard throughout weekends in April and May to deliver these improvements.

“We always try to minimise disruption to passengers when carrying out work which is why we are working overnight to upgrade existing overhead line equipment, but some work needs an extended period to be completed.

“Passengers should check their journey before travelling so that they are up to date with the latest information. We want to thank them for their understanding and patience as this work is carried out.”

Dave Meredith, Customer Services Director for EMR said: “We are strongly advising customers planning to travel throughout April and May to check their journeys in advance by looking for updates on the EMR website.

“Engineering work will affect EMR services and customers should expect extended journey times with rail replacement buses and amended timetables in place.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst the engineering work to electrify the Midland Main Line takes place. This work will greatly benefit our customers in the future with more reliable, quicker journeys to and from London.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “We thank our customers for their patience and understanding while Network Rail are modernising the infrastructure on this important route. Please plan ahead, and double-check your route before you set off, allowing plenty of extra time if you need to use replacement buses or other alternatives.”

Image credit: Network Rail

South Western Railway Supports Samaritans as employees gear up to run the 2024 TCS London Marathon

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South Western Railway Supports Samaritans as employees gear up to run the 2024 TCS London Marathon

Railway workers across are set to raise thousands of pounds for Samaritans this April as they put on their running shoes to take on the 2024 TCS London Marathon.

South Western Railway’s runners are supporting Samaritans after it was chosen as the event’s official Charity Partner of the Year. They will not only be raising much-needed funds, but also awareness of the essential services the charity provides to people in crisis and needing support. Samaritans answers a call every 10 seconds from someone needing to be listened to.

With one in five (20%) people in the UK saying they have experienced suicidal thoughts, at some point in their lives, which is the equivalent of around 10,000 of the anticipated 50,000 participants who will take part in this year’s TCS London Marathon, the South Western Railway team know how important the work of Samaritans is.

Train driver, Gemma Deedat from Fratton, Portsmouth, pledged to run for Samaritans following an incident on her route.

The mother-of-two – who has worked in the rail industry for 11 years – hopes that by running for the charity, more people will see how vital Samaritans’ services are.

She said: “I had not long come back from annual leave when the incident happened, and I’d only been driving on my own for seven months. The British Transport Police, paramedics, and my train guard were really supportive.

“I have chosen to run for Samaritans because I am hoping it will show that calling them to speak with someone can make all the difference.”

Samaritans’ own findings show while 74% of people are comfortable talking with family and friends about mental health and wellbeing, only 45% are comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts, suggesting a stigma still exists around this specifically and discomfort in discussing it could be contributing to a lack of awareness and understanding of the issue.  

Mel Rappini from Southampton used the Samaritans website to help her navigate tough conversations with loved ones who were struggling to cope. This inspired the HR Business Partner to fundraise for the charity.

Mel, who is also a mother-of-two, said: “Samaritans gives so much out to other people all the time, and I have used the information on its website to help support close friends and family who have previously been going through a tough time.

“It was useful to understand how I can support them and know where they are coming from a little bit more.

“It isn’t necessarily about saying to someone, ‘This is what you should do’, because there may be no right answer.

“For people to know Samaritans are there any time to listen, it allows them to ease some of the weight off their shoulders and talk openly about what they’re going through.”

The trio of runners includes James Stearn, who works as a Duty Control Manager.

James, from Surbiton, said: “Through my work in the control centre, I am well aware of the numbers of people who seek help through Samaritans and the great work they do.

“Samaritans support is not only as a voice in times of need, but also in training rail staff so that they feel confident to make interventions which could just save a life if someone is in crisis.”

Daniel O’Riordan, Head of Security and Safety Assurance at South Western Railway, said: “I am in awe of the work Samaritans do.

“We’ve worked together for many years and the positive impact of our partnership is felt by colleagues, customers, and the communities we serve all around our network.

“We’re committed to playing an active role in safeguarding everyone who uses the railway and ensuring everyone knows they are in a safe pair of hands.

“All of us at SWR are very proud of everyone taking part in this year’s marathon and will be cheering Gemma, Mel, and James every step of the way”.   

To donate to Gemma’s fundraising page, go to: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/gemma-deedat

To donate to Mel’s fundraising page, go to: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/mel-rappini

To donate to James’ fundraising page, go to: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jamesstearn

Image credit: Samaritans

New trains enter service on Birmingham’s Cross City Line

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New trains enter service on Birmingham’s Cross City Line

Passengers on Birmingham’s iconic Cross City Line have been travelling on a brand new train fleet for the first time today (Monday 15 April).

Train operator West Midlands Railway (WMR) said the introduction of the Class 730 fleet represents the start of a new era for rail travel on the line, which is used by millions of passengers every year and connects Birmingham with destinations including Lichfield, Redditch, and Bromsgrove.

The new fleet, part of WMR’s £1 billion investment in new trains and infrastructure, can carry a third more passengers than the 30-year-old fleet they are replacing. The fleet is made up of 48 three-carriage trains in total – making a total of 144 new carriages – and are part of a £1 billion investment in new trains and infrastructure by WMR. Features include spacious interior with walk-through carriages, accessible toilets, WiF,i and power points at every seat.

Ian McConnell, WMR’s managing director, said: “The introduction of this modern new train fleet marks the start of a new era for our customers on the Cross City Line.

“With extra space and modern features such as digital information screens and power points, the fleet will make a huge difference to millions of journeys across the West Midlands every year.

“The rollout of the Class 730s onto this key Birmingham commuter route is a vital part of our £1billion investment in new trains and infrastructure as we continue modernising our rail network.”

The Class 730 fleet will be phased into service on the Cross City Line over the spring and summer months as the existing Class 323 trains are withdrawn from service. This means the line will be served by a mixture of Class 730s and Class 323s trains for the next few months, with the transition expected to be fully complete by the autumn.

The first Class 730 train in passenger service on the Cross City Line was today’s 6.06am departure from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley. All Class 730s on the Cross City Line will run in pairs, meaning every train will have six carriages and capacity for more than 1,000 passengers.

Image credit: West Midlands Railway

New multi-million-pound footbridge and lifts installed at Dumfries station

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New multi-million-pound footbridge and lifts installed at Dumfries station

A new £3.6m footbridge and lifts are now in place at Dumfries station.

That’s after Network Rail engineers worked through the night on Saturday (April 13) into Sunday to install the steel structures, which will provide step-free access to the platforms.

It’s part of a £3.6m Access for All scheme investment which aims to make it easier for people with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children, or bicycles to travel by train.

The installation was completed using a 500-tonne crane and a 110-tonne crane to lift the superstructure into place.

This followed a successful inspection and trial build of the footbridge, fabricated in Annan by M&S Engineering Ltd, last month.

Work is now underway to complete the entire project, with the new lifts and bridge set to open to passengers this summer.

Amanda Naughton, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail said: “The successful installation of the new steel structure by crane marks a key milestone in our project to improve accessibility at Dumfries station.

“We’ve worked collaboratively with our principal contractor STORY and train operator ScotRail to make sure this key activity was completed safely and on time without any impact on rail services.

“We would like to thank members of the public for their cooperation and understanding while our work is ongoing.

“There is still a lot to do before passengers will be able to use the footbridge and the lifts, but we hope everyone living nearby and using the station is pleased with the progress so far and is looking forward to the benefits that this new accessible footbridge will bring.”

The new accessible footbridge weighs 51 tonnes and has 2,389 individual parts, pieced together with 973 bolts. It incorporates elements from the original footbridge at Dumfries station, including a saltire design on the bridge parapet and curved detail on the bridge deck.

Open railings on the staircase and a sandstone cladding system on the lift towers have also been included to complement the station’s heritage features.

If you have any questions about the bridge work, you can contact Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or follow us on Twitter @NetworkRailScot for the latest updates.

Image credit: Network Rail

Redhill to Tonbridge line to reopen after Network Rail completes Edenbridge landslip repairs

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Redhill to Tonbridge line to reopen after Network Rail completes Edenbridge landslip repairs

The railway between Redhill and Tonbridge will reopen for the start of service on Monday morning after Network Rail’s engineers successfully completed emergency landslip repairs at Bough Beech, near Edenbridge in Kent.

Over the last two weeks, engineers have worked tirelessly to install 91 sheet piles – 8m long sheets of metal – and strengthened the railway embankment over a 100 metre section with soil nails (steel rods) underpinning the railway, after the embankment had become saturated and weakened as a result of the impact of recent heavy rain.

Because of the work that needed to be completed, for safety reasons Network Rail had to close the railway in its entirety, with buses replacing trains during the work.

Mark Killick, Network Rail Southern region director of engineering and asset management, said: “Our colleagues have worked tirelessly around the clock with our contractors over the past two weeks to repair this landslip, on what’s been quite a complex site for a number of reasons. I want to thank our passengers, freight customers and lineside neighbours for their patience while we’ve carried out this work, which has essentially been a giant underpinning operation.

“As each steel pile was installed we gained more and more confidence that we would be able to reopen the railway – and the work we’ve done here at Bough Beech will leave this line in a much more better and more reliable condition for the future.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience that has been caused but there was no option but to get this work done when we did, especially given the need to reintroduce services in time for schools reopening after the Easter break.”

Mark Pavlides, chief customer officer for Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “On behalf of our customers we’re very pleased that Network Rail have completed these large and complex emergency repairs on schedule. We are aware that any disruption to our services is inconvenient for customers, so we’re grateful for their patience and understanding while the work was carried out.”

While further strengthening work will continue once trains have resumed running, this work won’t have an impact on trains that can now run as normal over the line.

Over the past year an unprecedented 14 named storms have challenged the railway’s ability to deal with climate change, with the Met Office confirming that the UK has suffered 7 of its 10 wettest years on record since 1998. Kent experienced its wettest February since 1836 while England has experienced its fourth wettest February since records began.

With more than 200 problems with Network Rail’s embankments and cuttings in the past three years – 25 of which have resulted in line closures – Network Rail will spend £2.8bn between now and 2029 on measures to cope with extreme weather, including building or rebuilding 600,000 metres of drains to handle the heavier rainfall.

Network Rail is also using remote condition monitoring at key sites to help monitor ground movement, and will continue to do so at Bough Beech. Some 17,000 sensors are placed at key locations across the railway, with 670 cameras monitoring the network.

Image credit: Network Rail

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