The GNGE project, described in The Rail Engineer recently (issue 116, June 2014), is moving on apace. During a recent 16-day blockade, fifteen level crossings and fifteen miles of signaling were upgraded with the latest technology – the most delivered so far in a single block of work.
The list includes some splendid names. Crossings were improved at Blotoft (Old Forty Foot Drain), Golden High Hedges, Water Drove (Gubbole’s Drove), Blue Gowt and Cherry Holt, amongst others.
These works were part of the now-completed Phase Four of the project. Phase Two – between Gainsborough and Doncaster (the phase numbering is geographic and not time-related) has also just been completed while Phase Five (Spalding to Peterborough) will take place in late October.
Speaking of the £280 million upgrade project, Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “The GNGE line is an important route for both freight and passenger trains. Demand for rail services continues to grow, and the upgrade of this line is an important project to help meet that demand.”
