Section of line in Bristol to be doubled

Work to double the railway lines between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway will begin in December 2014, following a £33 million contract award to Taylor Woodrow.

The lines between Stapleton Road and Lawrence Hill will double to four, resulting in an increase in train services and reduced journey times. The extra lines will also enable an increase in freight services, contributing to economic growth in the region by helping businesses to move more goods more efficiently by rail.

Known as the ‘Filton Four Tracks’ project, the work forms part of Network Rail’s Great Western Route Modernisation Programme to modernise and transform the Great Western Main Line from London Paddington through to Swansea.

• For more, see RAIL 761, published November 12