Trains were running normally again this morning after a long weekend of upgrading the railway in many parts of the country.  Parts of the network affected by engineering possessions included Stockport, the Carlisle area, parts of Scotland and London Euston station, which was closed. Upgrades and repairs were also carried out at other sites in the south of England. One upgrade at London Paddington overran, but all lines have now been reopened, although delays or cancellations are still possible this morning on the lines to Reading and Heathrow. Even though the trains are back today there will be more disruption in less than two weeks from now, when more work will be carried out over the early May Bank Holiday weekend. There will be more work on signalling north of Carlisle and Euston will be closed again, along with projects at other worksites. Network Rail North West and Central region capital delivery director Christian Irwin said: ‘We’ve invested millions of pounds to improve future journeys on the West Coast Main Line north this Easter, at a time of year when we know passenger numbers are lower so we can minimise disruption to one of the country’s most important rail routes.’ Kent route director David Davidson said: ‘This Easter we’ve continued to upgrade the railway for passengers with major projects in the Battersea and Lewisham areas, and between Eastbourne and Hastings. ‘We also took the opportunity to do some landslip prevention works at Chislet, on the line between Canterbury West and Minster, where because of increased rainfall as a result of climate change, the railway cutting is unlikely to withstand another winter. By doing this work over Easter we’ve been able to keep the railway open for longer, with fewer weekend closures being needed in the near future.’ Do you have a comment on this story? Please click here  to send an email to Platform at Railnews. Moderated comments will be published on this site, and may also be used in the next print edition.

The Railnews website is taking an Easter break, and will be back on 22 April. The next print edition of Railnews will be published on 9 May. This is one day later than usual because of the early May Bank Holiday, when our printers take a break too. We hope you have an enjoyable Easter weekend..

Work to improve the railway with an investment of £86 million is being carried out by Network Rail at 300 worksites over the long Easter weekend. In the south of England the junction at Battersea will be rebuilt. The work will include 6km of new signalling and comms cables, while new signalling will be installed at Lewisham. More than 5km of track will be laid between Eastbourne and Hastings, and Pevensey level crossing will be renewed. Track will also be replaced in the Bromley North line, and work to prevent landslips will be carried out at Chislet, between Canterbury West and Minster. Further west, engineers will stabilise a railway cutting between Swanwick and Fareham. Following previous landslips in the area, the cutting has been monitored to make sure it remains safe and a sheet piled wall will be installed, while rocks on the cutting slope should ensure stability. Engineers will take advantage of the nine-day possession to strengthen the footbridge at Hamble station, cut back vegetation between Fareham and Swanwick to reduce the risk of trees or leaves falling on the railway, and replace 10 wheel timbers on the viaduct over the River Itchen between Bitterne and St Denys. The new ‘timbers’ will actually be made of a synthetic alternative called Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane. It should last 30 years longer than the wooden versions and will require less maintenance. In north west England there will be work to prepare the railway for the project to rebuild Greek Street bridge in Stockport, which is costing almost £20 million, while the West Coast Main Line will be blocked north of Carlisle, so that signalling can be upgraded between Carlisle and Carstairs. There will be replacement buses for Glasgow & South Western services via Dumfries as well as the main line trains towards Glasgow Central. There will be track upgrades near Liverpool Lime Street and improvements at Salford Central. The southern end of the West Coast Main line will also be affected by various possessions. No trains will run between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central between 19 and 21 April, and Euston will be closed. Caledonian Sleepers will be diverted to London King’s Cross. Network Rail is also using the station closure to carry out improvements to at Euston, including upgrading the toilets and replacing signs to make it easier for passengers to find their way around the station. Other work in the area will include the replacement of more than 350 metres of track near Hemel Hempstead, and upgrading 200 metres of drainage near Leighton Buzzard. Network Rail’s head of Euston station operations Amanda Webster-Uz said: ‘There’s a significant amount of work happening over the Easter bank holiday to improve the reliability of the railway for both passengers and freight. Whilst the railway to Euston is closed, we’re also taking the opportunity to improve the station itself. ‘We’re encouraging passengers to check their journeys in advance and, where possible, travel before or after the Easter weekend.’

The Department for Transport’s consultation into Great British Railways closes tonight, and FirstGroup has made a final plea for open access services to continue. First will lose its former franchises South Western Railway, Great Western Railway and Avanti West Coast under the government’s renationalisation plans, with South Western set to be the first to return to public ownership next month. First also owns the open access operators Hull Trains and Lumo, and has acquired the licences for new open access services between London and Carmarthen and also between London and Stirling. There are further applications being considered by the Office of Rail and Road, both from First and other operators, including a suite of new services which Virgin has proposed from London Euston to various places in the Midlands and North West. But transport secretary Heidi Alexander sounded a cautionary note when she wrote to the ORR in January expressing doubts about the fairness of open access operators who gain from publicly-funded railway infrastructure and who occupy train paths in congested areas. She said she was not yet amending her official guidance to the ORR, but that changes were possible. The DfT then told the ORR that it was not supporting any of the nine outstanding open access applications, with the possible exception of services between London and Wrexham which have been proposed by Alstom. One of the applications, from Alliance Rail for a route between Cardiff and Edinburgh, has since been withdrawn while Alliance reconsiders its rolling stock.plans. The Department was particularly doubtful by the Virgin application, saying it had ‘significant concerns’. If Virgin’s proposals were granted in full, they would result in around 35 more departures a day from Euston, all of which would need paths on the already overloaded West Coast Main Line south of Rugby. With the DfT’s GBR consultation closing at one minute to midnight tonight, First has argued that if renationalisation will be better for passengers, then the government must not prejudice the independent status of the ORR, which makes the final decision about open access applications, and that it should be allowed to ‘adjudicate fairly and impartially’ and make ‘fair, transparent’ decisions. First Rail managing director Steve Montgomery said: ‘Enhancing rail connections is critical to boosting economic growth in the UK. We have long called for reform of the railway sector, and we are keen to see new arrangements introduced which consider the customer and commercial elements of rail, alongside measures on infrastructure. ‘Delivered effectively, reform will ensure the industry can grow passenger numbers, generate greater revenues and develop the value of rail in a customer focused, dynamic and efficient environment. To do so, it is essential the Government considers the need for appropriate protections and controls through independent regulation of GBR, private sector investment and open access operations. ‘This will ensure open access operators can deliver customer benefits and drive modal shift, while playing a role in ensuring the wider railway offers best value for the taxpayer. ‘Across Europe, we see private sector operators co-existing with state-owned services. Such competition is healthy, necessary and in the interests of passengers. It is proven to grow the overall rail market, and it is vital the GBR model allows for the same in the UK.’ *You can hear Steve Montgomery discuss open access in the latest Railnews podcast. Listen here  Do you have a comment on this story? Please click here  to send an email to Platform at Railnews. Moderated comments will be published on this site, and may also be used in the next print edition.

Network Rail was prepared for disruption affecting steel production, it has emerged, after a weekend in which Parliament passed a Bill allowing the government to take control of the British Steel works in Scunthorpe. Because it was not clear whether the Chinese owners of the Scunthorpe works would allow the two blast furnaces to continue production, Network Rail built up an emergency stock of rails, which would meet its needs for the coming year. More than 80 per cent of the rails bought by Network Rail come from Scunthorpe, and the stocks now in store at various depots around the country would give Network Rail time to find new suppliers if Scunthorpe did close. This seems less likely after business secretary Jonathan Reynolds was able to direct British Steel to buy the raw materials needed to maintain production. In the longer term rails could be produced using electric arc furnaces which do not rely on coal, although the changeover could take several years and production would need to be controlled tightly to avoid impurities in the steel. Network Rail has already tested rails produced in an electric arc furnace. It said: ‘We do not expect the announcement to have any impact on the continued delivery of reliable rail services for passengers and freight users. We are continuing to work with government and our suppliers, and we have comprehensive contingency plans to ensure the continued supply of rail needed to fulfil our operational needs.’ A new centre for storing newly-manufactured lengths of rail was opened by British Steel in Scunthorpe last November, to ensure continuity of supply for Network Rail. The new hub can hold around 25,000 tonnes of rails, and has 11 multi-gantry hoists to lift the finished rails on to wagons. Do you have a comment on this story? Please click here  to send an email to Platform at Railnews. Moderated comments will be published on this site, and may also be used in the next print edition.

Updated 12.20The number of railway passengers travelling to work has reached 30 per cent, according to the Department for Transport, which says commuting also tends to be concentrated on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The most likely reason for using trains is travelling for leisure, which involved 54 per cent of journeys. Another 15 per cent of passengers were making journeys for business purposes, apart from commuting. Many people are using trains regularly. Of these, 61 per cent said they travelled by rail for leisure at least once a month, and 41 per cent say they commute by train at least once week, with midweek travel being most common. The figures are the result of new research by the DfT. Before privatisation, in 1989, the proportion of journeys made using season tickets, which tended to be the broad equivalent of commuting, reached a peak of one journey in two. This proportion had fallen to 42 per cent by 2002 but then rose again, reaching 48 per cent in 2008. By 2019, the last year before the pandemic, it had fallen back to 34 per cent. This decline continued after the pandemic had started, reaching 14.6 per cent in 2022-3 and easing back further to 13.34 per cent in 2023-4, suggesting that many commuters are no longer using conventional season tickets because they do not travel every day. Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said: ‘Our railway is the backbone of our economy, connecting people across the country and fuelling business, growth and opportunity, supporting the Plan for Change. ‘This research shows thousands of passengers choose the train for their leisure travel. To go and see family and friends, go on holiday or go to big events whether its concerts, festivals or a football match, the train is the best way to get there.’ Campaign for Better Transport chief executive Ben Plowden said: ‘Rail enriches our lives and supports the leisure and tourism sector. Every time a leisure traveller chooses rail, it reduces traffic on our roads, air pollution and carbon emissions, so Government and rail industry need to make sure they are meeting the needs of leisure travellers. This includes affordable fares, space on board for luggage and bikes, and managing work on the network so it minimises disruption to services during busy holiday periods and sporting fixtures.’ Do you have a comment on this story? Please click here  to send an email to Platform at Railnews. Moderated comments will be published on this site, and may also be used in the next print edition.

Italian Railways has announced that it intends to launch high speed services between London and Paris by 2029. FS Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Spanish company Evolyn, which has also been named as a potential international operator from London. The project is being supported by an investment of 1 million Euros, and follows an announcement by the Office of Rail and Road that there is some capacity for new operators at Temple Mills depot in east London, which has been used only by Eurostar since it opened in 2007. The initial route is London and Paris, but FS said its services could be extended later to Lille, Lyon, Marseilles and Milan as part of wider ambitions to run more trains in Europe. It has also raised hopes in Kent by mentioning Ashford as a possible calling point. The rolling stock would be ‘inspired’ by Frecciarossa train sets. FS Group chief executive officer and general manager Stefano Antonio Donnarumma said: ‘High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, and by expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not just investing in infrastructure and innovation, but also in the future of European transport. More competition will help to create a more efficient and customer-oriented industry, offering a real alternative to air travel.’ FS Group currently runs c2c and has a 30 per cent stake in Avanti West Coast, although both these contracts are due to be renationalised. Do you have a comment on this story? Please click here  to send an email to Platform at Railnews. Moderated comments will be published on this site, and may also be used in a future print edition.

Network Rail has submitted revised plans for the redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station to the City of London Corporation after a public consultation received almost 2,000 responses last year, many of which were objections. The main changes to the plans are redesigned station entrances, changes to the roof so that it is more in keeping with its Victorian origins, different landscaping around the Kindertransport statue, a realignment of the office building so that does not conceal the Grade II* listed Andaz Hotel, which was originally the Great Eastern Railway hotel, and other changes to the height and size of the proposed office building. The original plans had involved a partial demolition of the original station, but the objections included one from Historic England. Other priorities revealed by the consultation’s responses were step-free access through the station, new lifts and escalators, and also new toilets to include ‘family-friendly’ spaces on every level. Network Rail Property group property director Robin Dobson said: ‘We’re proud to be leading the submission of a transformative scheme for the redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station — one that is a truly accessible and inclusive space, can support the forecast annual passenger rise to over 200 million and deliver vital improvements to the everyday experience of passengers while respecting and celebrating the station’s historic character. ‘Investing in transport infrastructure is essential to unlocking future economic growth for London and beyond. This investment will ensure Liverpool Street remains a landmark gateway to the City of London for generations to come. ‘Following extensive consultation and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, our plans put passengers first whilst respecting and retaining the station’s Victorian features, including the iconic trainshed and the Great Eastern Hotel.’ The scheme will cost ‘hundreds of millions’, but Network Rail plans to work with private sector developers who will be able to create new office space above the station. The plans also include eight new lifts, six more escalators and a larger concourse, as well as ‘landmark entrances’ from Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate and Exchange Square. ACME is the scheme architect, and is working with Network Rail Property. ACME founding director Friedrich Ludewig said: ‘We are retaining the essential qualities of the existing station, celebrating elements that were previously hidden, creating sustainable new workplaces and providing spaces to expand into for generations to come. Liverpool Street station will become the world-class transport hub that the City of London and all Londoners deserve.’ Do you have a comment on this story? Please click here  to send an email to Platform at Railnews. Moderated comments will be published on this site, and may also be used in a future print edition.

Siemens has begun work on its new £100 million centre in Wiltshire by staging a ground-breaking ceremony. Rail minister Lord Hendy joined members of Siemens Mobility’s leadership team, Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson, past employees and members of the local community to celebrate the occasion. Chippenham was the base for Westinghouse Signalling for many years, which was bought from Invensys by Siemens in 2013. The new centre will employ about 800 people working on the next generation of conventional, digital signalling and control systems for British and international markets. Rob Morris is joint CEO and managing director for Rail Infrastructure and Software in the UK and Ireland. He said: ‘Breaking ground on our new Chippenham facility marks a significant milestone for Siemens Mobility and the wider UK rail industry. This investment reinforces our commitment to driving innovation in rail technology and to transform rail travel and transport for passengers and freight across the UK. It was particularly special to welcome past employees and local school children, who represent both our proud heritage and the future of our industry.’ Peter, Lord Hendy said: ‘This £100 million investment will bring a huge amount of opportunity with it. Current and future rail projects will benefit from better signalling systems, modernising our infrastructure and meaning better services for millions of passengers. ‘More than 800 people will have a job at this site, giving people the opportunity to build a life here in Chippenham and have a career in the railway industry – which I can say from experience is very rewarding. I look forward to seeing this investment create jobs, boost business, and bolster Wiltshire’s potential.’ Do you have a comment on this story? Please click here  to send an email to Platform at Railnews. Moderated comments will be published on this site, and may also be used in a future print edition.

Updated 10.00London St. Pancras Highspeed has unveiled an incentive scheme for new and existing international train operators, to encourage rail travel between London and continental Europe. The leaseholder of HS1 said its International Growth Incentive Scheme will encourage train operators to introduce new services to new destinations, connect intermediate stations, introduce new rolling stock and increase the number of passengers. Train operators who qualify will be entitled to discounts of up to 50 per cent in year one, 40 per cent in year two and 30 per cent in year three on track access charges. London St. Pancras Highspeed said it wants to run as many international services as possible with the intention of encouraging growth, offering greater choice and lower fares to increase sustainable tourism. The International Growth Incentive Scheme is available to all international high-speed passenger operators using or proposing to use the high-speed line. There is a New Services Incentive, offering a discount on charges for new train services. There is also a Passenger Incentive, offering a rebate equivalent to £1 for every additional passenger carried above previous levels. This is to be paid into a joint fund to support marketing and other activities aimed at increasing demand. The proposals have come amid plans to more than double international capacity at St Pancras station to nearly 5,000 passengers an hour. London St. Pancras Highspeed CEO Robert Sinclair said: ‘The International Growth Incentive Scheme is an innovative and groundbreaking proposal designed to boost international rail travel with more services to more destinations in Europe. ‘We are enabling operators to expand their services, increase the network of destinations they serve and invest in new rolling stock. ‘Our ambition is to make rail the preferred mode of travel, and we know that high-speed rail can reduce carbon emissions by up to 96 per cent compared with flying. ‘We believe this will boost the UK’s economic growth and contribute to our national effort to cut carbon.’ The proposals have been welcomed by at least one potential operator. Gemini Trains has applied to the Office of Rail and Road for an open access licence to operate between London and Paris, with other routes to follow. Gemini CEO Adrian Quine said: ‘We have spent two years developing a very robust business plan prior to today’s announcement. This will further strengthen our plan for competitively priced fares, attracting more people to make the shift from road and air to rail. We are now seriously assessing whether this scheme will enable us to offer additional new and exciting routes.’   Virgin has also announced ambitions to run international services. It said: ‘Full steam ahead for competition as another barrier is lifted on the cross-Channel route. London St Pancras Highspeed is working hard to unlock competition on the cross-Channel route and the new International Growth Incentive Scheme is a welcome step in the right direction. It will stimulate choice and encourage both new and established operators to be dynamic and creative. ‘Today’s announcement means Virgin can further accelerate its plans, which is great news for consumers on both sides of the Channel as they will finally get the choice and breadth of service they deserve. Virgin looks forward to sharing its plans in more detail in due course.’ Do you have a comment on this story? Please click here  to send an email to Platform at Railnews. Moderated comments will be published on this site, and may also be used in a future print edition.