Translink Press Release investment for bleach green to whitehead
16 March 2005
NI Railways will begin a nine-month, £25.2 million engineering project to relay the railway line between Bleach Green and Whitehead in late March. The project is co-financed by the European Union from the Trans-European Transport Networks Fund.
The planned work involves the complete replacement of track, provision of new drainage, ballast, track components and the installation of new signalling equipment. The project will also incorporate essential maintenance work to bridges and sea defences between Whitehead and Larne.
Mal McGreevy Translink's General Manager, Rail Services said, "The project will ultimately deliver a better rail service, offering passengers a smoother, quieter and potentially faster service. The work will also significantly reduce the level of maintenance required in the future."
Mr McGreevy went on to explain that a thorough communications programme is planned to ensure all passengers and local residents are kept informed throughout the project.
"Information will be sent out via mail drops, public notices in the press, with timetable and additional information available at main stations, or from our website www.translink.co.uk and our call centre on 028 9066 6630.
"We very much regret any inconvenience caused by this work. We have specifically planned it to ensure a safe working environment and to reduce and hence minimise the amount of overall disruption for everyone. We have also taken steps to ensure any nighttime working is minimised.”
Mr McGreevy went on to explain that the project would be carried out in a number of phases.
"Between the end of March and the end of May 'Tidal' rail operations will run Monday to Friday. This means trains will operate at peak times only; during the morning peak from Larne to Belfast with departures of, 06.45, 07.25, 08.05 and then at the evening peak Belfast Great Victoria Street to Larne only at, 15.56, 16.37,17.15. These trains will serve all stations along the route. In addition, a rail substitution bus service will operate throughout the day between Belfast and Larne via the A2. There will be no rail services on Saturdays and Sundays, but a rail substitution bus service will operate." Mr McGreevy explained.
“Temporary timetables will operate encompassing all rail substitution bus services during each period of the engineering work. These will be available from all main stations. Passengers are being advised to allow adequate journey time, as delays due to traffic congestion are inevitable.
“In an effort to minimise disruption and provide passengers with greater flexibility, NI Railways tickets and school rail passes (issued by either Translink or the Education and Library Board) will be valid for travel on both scheduled bus services operating via the A2, 163,168, 563,568, 252 and rail substitution bus services between Larne and Belfast. Discounts will also be given on fares throughout the period of the engineering work.
"During the second phase of the project, between June and early October, the line will be completely closed, with no rail services operating on the Larne railway line. During this time, rail substitution bus services will be in operation between Larne and Belfast.
"In early October, we plan to reopen the line between Belfast and Carrickfergus, with a rail substitution bus service continuing between Carrickfergus and Larne. In December 2005, the work is due to be completed, and a full train service between Carrickfergus and Larne will resume.
“We would like to ask our passengers and local residents for their patience and support in our efforts to improve the railway line which will deliver a better rail service for everyone." Mr McGreevy concluded.
A special 24-hour helpline tel: 028 9086 1722 has been set up for residents who may have specific queries or complaints regarding the engineering work. For general service inquiries, passengers can contact the Translink Call Centre on 028 9066 6630, or click on www.translink.co.uk.
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