Translink NI Railways begins Londonderry line upgrade

Translink NI Railways has announced the start of a major engineering project to complete re-signalling works and a passing loop on the Coleraine to Londonderry railway line.

Contracts for the work have been awarded to Babcock to deliver the signalling scheme and McLaughlin & Harvey to construct the passing loop at Bellarena.

Clive Bradberry, Translink Infrastructure Executive said, “The Derry~Londonderry line is already extremely successful boosting strong passenger growth – up 12 percent last year.  This announcement today is great news for the North West and a further demonstration of our unwavering commitment to secure the long term future and sustainability of this important rail corridor.

“When the work is completed it will mean a more resilient rail service to and from Derry-Londonderry including the potential for more frequent and faster journeys”. 

“While we recognise the procurement process for this particular complex engineering project has not been straightforward, we are pleased with the quality of the contractors we have to deliver the much needed improvements to the line.”

“Work will be starting in the coming weeks and will be substantially complete by the end of 2016. Our passengers will be reassured to know that there will be minimal impact as work will primarily be carried out during the night.   There will be some temporary travel arrangements needed during the course of the project such as weekend line closures but we will communicate these and any interim travel arrangements in good time, once confirmed”.

“As always, we would also appeal to the public to keep vigilant around level-crossings during this intensive phase of engineering work.

“We would like to thank the Minister and his Department for the essential funding to deliver this project and look forward to the support of all our elected representatives and the local community during the course of these construction works”, Clive concluded.