Network Rail to carry out level crossing upgrades on Newcastle to Carlisle rail route

Network Rail will carry out upgrade work to two level crossings in Warden and Upper Denton on the Newcastle to Carlisle rail route this April.

Between 21 and 27 April, the crossings will be temporarily closed, changes to train serivces and diversions in place for road users.

Netowork Rail said that the work would improve reliability on the rail network, as well as enhancing safety for cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and passengers.

From 21.00 on Sunday 21 April to 06.30 on Saturday 27 April, the road over Warden level crossing will be closed with diversion routes in place to allow for essential improvements to the surface of the level crossing.

This will include removing and replacing the current level crossing deck, installing a new track drainage system, renewing the level crossing sleepers and tarmacking and repainting road markings.

Further along the rail network, the road over Denton School level crossing will be closed from 20.00 on Monday 22 April to 20.00 on Thursday 25 April to enhance the surface of the level crossing and to replace decades-old equipment, with diversions in place for road users.

While the level crossing work is ongoing, buses are replacing trains between Hexham and Carlisle in both directions from Monday 22 April until end of service on Friday 26 April. Trains will then operate again on Saturday 27 April.

Richard Cunningham, Senior Asset Engineer for Network Rail, said: “These upgrades are significant in providing safer level crossings for all users and improving the reliability of the railway on this important cross-country route.

“We want to encourage passengers to check before they travel and to plan ahead with their journeys via National Rail Enquires or their train operator while these vital improvements are underway.

“We would also like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this vital work is taking place.”

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