R A I LT R AC K - The Railways Archive

Progress on the 1998 NMS
RELIABILITY AND OPERABILITY Equipment reliability and minor signalling
enhancements between Paddington and Airport Junction, and in the Bristol area
have started and will continue through 1999/2000. Relaying track and structural
repairs in the Severn Tunnel started in 1998/99 and will continue in 1999/2000.
STATION REFURBISHMENT Cardiff Central is undergoing major refurbishment,
due for completion in1999/2000. Improvements at Paddington, including
extensive rebuilding of the main concourse area are due for completion in late
1999, with improved vehicle access due to follow in 2002/03. Hayes Station will
be developed as a major interchange for Heathrow Airport. In partnership with
Reading Council and our customers, a feasibility study has been commissioned to
evaluate commercial development of Reading Station with improved transport
interchange. Swindon Station redesign is planned for completion in 2001/02,
subject to a partnership package. A scheme for the complete rebuilding of Bristol
Parkway in 2000 is currently at feasibility stage. A partnership development will
significantly improve facilities at Bristol Temple Meads. Installation of improved
customer access and customer-information systems continues at many stations, in
partnership with train operators. The Station Regeneration Programme is
scheduled for completion in 1999/2000. A new London–Penzance motorail
service will come into operation from summer this year, following completion of
works at Paddington.
FREIGHT AND MAIL DEPOTS A new freight terminal at South Marston is due
for completion in 1999/2000, and the Royal Mail Depot at Bristol Parkway and
European railfreight terminals at Wentloog and Avonmouth are due to be
completed in 2000/01. We are assessing the feasibility of clearing the route from
Willesden Junction to Cardiff to W10 by 2003/04, subject to funding.
LAYOUT ALTERATIONS are under way at Reading, and Phase 1 is due for
completion April 1999. Phase 2 work is being developed and will include
expansion of platform capacity and remodelling at Reading to improve access
from the west. Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads remodelling has been
deferred until 2002/03. Newport layout alterations have been deferred pending
major resignalling.
NEW STATIONS A new parkway station at Reading called Thames Valley Park is
now planned for 2000/01. External funding for a new station at Grove near
Didcot has not been forthcoming. A new station at Magor will be evaluated once
development of the theme park is clear.
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