In The News: 17th April

Click here to listen to the latest news on Friday, 17th April 2020

We start with the sad news of a civil engineer killed when he was hit by a train whilst carrying out maintenance work on the West Coast Mainline.

The Mirror features a tribute from the mother of Aden Ashurst, describing her son as being “full of fun, a big character and a complete joker”.

Network Rail told the paper they are assisting emergency services and safety examiners with their investigations.

The biggest rail investment in nearly 4 decades for the Guildford area has passed the half-way point.

Network Rail engineers worked throughout the Easter holiday period and have already renewed 1,200 metres of conductor rail, 1,500 metres of track and upgraded 41 track circuits.

Route Director Mark Killick has praised the team’s work in the project that will deliver a more reliable railway for generations to come.

The body shell for the first train of the Class 803 fleet has arrived at Hitachi Rail’s factory in the UK.

It’s one of five AT300, 125mph intercity electric trains ordered by the FirstGroup for a new ‘open access’ service between London and Edinburgh.

Railway landmarks have been lit blue as a show of support to the NHS.

Workers up and down the country stopped to clap at 8pm last night and the Royal Albert Bridge was among the buildings lit blue.

Govia Thameslink Railway has also re-branded three trains to pay homage to NHS staff fighting coronavirus.

Finally, staff at Great Western Railway had something a little more unusual in their lost property last night, after a pup was found on the Newbury to London train.

Thankfully, after over 1,000 people shared the appeal, the company confirmed this morning that owner and dog had been reunited.

Photo credit: Network Rail

Download article