In The News: 21st April

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We start with the news of the completion of the massive upgrade of the railways around Guildford.

In the last 10 days, Network Rail engineers have worked 20,000 hours to improve track, power supplies and signalling equipment on one of the busiest parts of its Wessex route.

Around 1,500 metres of new track has been installed which is designed to last up to 60 years. Forty one track circuits were upgraded and 1,200 metres of conductor rail renewed.

Talks continue to take place between regional light rail services and the government over support during the coronavirus crisis.

Operators such as the Metro and Metrolink have seen huge reductions in passenger numbers and are losing millions of pounds.

They are calling for the same level of support from the government that other train operating companies have received.

A new railway line in Newport for the storage of trains during major events could be operational by 2022.

That’s according to an article in the South Wales Argus which reports that work on the 2.4km long single track near the former Llanwern Steelworks could start early next year.

It says passenger trains would be deployed during periods of high demand, including rugby matches and concerts in Cardiff.

Finally, and railway station staff have been given a late Easter treat in the form of a goose egg.

It was spotted by a PCSO on patrol at York Train Station who noticed the goose had laid an egg amongst the flowers in the normally extremely busy entrance.

Photo credit: British Transport Police

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