Blackpool rocks: Tram-tastic regeneration programme

August 31, 2010

To help drive a resort’s revival, engineers transform its historic tram network. Mungo Stacey reports... The railways transformed Blackpool into the first seaside resort for the masses. Its attractions these days include the glittering lights of the Illuminations, the Pleasure Beach amusement park and of course the Tower. However, there is a...

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First Grand Central HST power cars ready to leave Brush

August 31, 2010

The first MTU fitted Grand Central HST power cars are expected to leave Brush tomorrow. Both 43080 and 43068, now numbered 43480 and 43468, will depart Loughborough for Brush's Kilmarnock works, where Grand Central carriages are being refurbished. Refurbishment of each power car takes 12 weeks, during which time they have new...

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German Government u-turn on HGV tolls dupes forward-looking road hauliers

August 31, 2010

The German Pro-Rail Alliance has criticised the federal government’s proposed changes to the regulations on motorway charges for HGVs. “The transport ministry is planning to take two steps backwards when it comes to protecting the environment,” said Dirk Flege, managing director of the Pro-Rail Alliance in...

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Heathrow Express offers more Help for Heroes

August 31, 2010

Heathrow Express has increased their Armed Forces discount to 50% off. The HM Forces discount has risen by 16% for adult express class tickets and 10% of these sales will be donated to the Help for Heroes charity. Richard Robinson, Heathrow Express Managing Director, said: “We have always offered a discount for...

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Toll roads are no answer to congestion, says campaign group

August 31, 2010

The M6 Toll in the West Midlands has been a costly failure and the Government should not rely on them to solve transport problems, according to a new report released today by Campaign for Better Transport. Earlier this year Transport Secretary Philip Hammond signalled an interest in using tolls to pay...

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NSW Government confirms that no property acquisition will be required for Western Express

August 31, 2010

The NSW Government has confirmed that no acquisition of Leamington Avenue properties will be required as part of the Western Express project. Minister for Transport John Robertson said the Government had moved swiftly to provide certainty for local residents. “Design work was urgently undertaken by Transport NSW which has established there is...

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Landmark Newport Station combines iconic design with engineering excellence

August 28, 2010

Newport train station redevelopment, opening on the 13 September, represents a step change in transport design with a featherweight plastic covering that is a hundred times lighter than glass and requires a fraction of the steel and concrete support of a normal structure. With Atkins as...

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Airdrie and Bathgate line prepares for December opening

August 27, 2010

Network Rail completed track laying on the new 24km stretch of railway between Airdrie and Bathgate today (Friday 27 August), making it the longest domestic passenger railway with new stations to be built in Britain for a century.  A 200-tonne mobile track laying machine ran through the site of the relocated...

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Half a million passengers travel on Parry People Mover

August 27, 2010

More than half a million passenger journeys have been made on London Midland’s operation between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town since conventional trains were replaced by innovative railcars, built by Parry People Movers Ltd, in mid-2009.  The 500,000th passenger trip was made on Tuesday 17thAugust.  The new railcars enabled an increase in service frequency and now...

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ABB modular equipment to upgrade Network Rail’s Southern Region distribution system

August 26, 2010

ABB medium voltage modular equipment for substations will enable Network Rail to enhance the DC power supply for its Southern Region as part of a project to enable an enhanced train service. ABB has won a contract from Network Rail to design, manufacture and supply 15 modular medium voltage (MV) switchboards...

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Rail bridges get celestial makeover

August 26, 2010

The future looks good for two rail bridges on Brook Road close to Stourbridge Junction station, one of which is adorned with all the signs of the zodiac. Network Rail can see into the future and knows that the work won’t have to be done for another 25 years. Jo Kaye,...

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