Stone residents urged to give their views on £7 million rail upgrades to improve safety and journey reliability
Passengers and residents are to be advised about a £7 million package of railway upgrades to improve safety, performance and long-term reliability on the West Coast Main Line.
The work, which has been planned during the summer school holidays, includes refurbishing the River Trent Viaduct, replacing track at Stone station and the renewal of three level crossings in the area.
Local people in Stone have been invited by Network Rail to find out more about the level crossing upgrades, which will mean temporary road closures at several locations.
These include the Meaford level crossing from 9pm on August 10 until 6pm on August 12 and Church Lane level crossing from 1pm on August 12 until 9pm on August 14.
During this time, residents will still be able to cross on foot, but vehicles will not be able to use the crossing.
Finally, Aston-by-Stone level crossing will be closed from 7pm on August 14 until 8pm on August 16.
Network Rail staff will be available to answer questions about the major improvements during an information event at Stone Station Community Hall from 4pm until 6pm on July 16.
Some services will be diverted, while others will be replaced with buses.
Anyone planning to travel during these dates are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Zayn Sattar, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “This major programme of investment into the West Coast Main Line will help us deliver a safer, more reliable railway for passengers and our communities.
"By tackling structural issues, renewing track and upgrading level crossings, we’re protecting the future of the railway and reducing the risk of disruption.
"We've written to local people in Stone about the work and are asking passengers to check before they travel this August. I'd like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out these vital upgrades.”
Network Rail said the upgrades are essential to keep the railway safe and reliable and will help prevent future speed restrictions and unplanned disruption for passengers and freight.
Multiple schemes have been planned at the same time during August to reduce the need for future closures to the railway, minimising disruption to passengers and local people.
Passengers are advised to check their journeys before they travel on the National Rail Enquiries website.
