'Noisy' overnight electrification works to start soon

Network Rail says it is 'taking steps' to minimise disruption and noise

NEWBURY residents who have already endured months of disruption are being warned of more to come as Network Rail starts ‘noisy’ overnight work ahead of electrification.

Boundary Road bridge has been closed since January so Network Rail can replace it, and some nearby residents have already contacted the Newbury Weekly News to complain they were unable to sleep owing to loud overnight work.

The work, that will begin at the end of July, will involve installing the foundations for the overhead lines that will power the new fleet of electric trains to run underneath.

It will start at the end of the month and continue throughout the summer nights, but Network Rail says definitive timescales will not be set until work is under way and conditions on the ground are established.

The process to install the foundations, known as piling, is by Network Rail’s own admission “a noisy activity”.

For safety reasons, it takes place when trains aren’t running and therefore tends to occur at night.

To minimise disruption as much as possible, Network Rail is working with West Berkshire Council to carry out on-site noise monitoring.

It will also be installing equipment to reduce the sound made by the piling process.

Network Rail has sent letters to residents living close to the railway line informing them of the works and the rail giant will also hold two information events in Northbrook Street next week.

Paul Fountaine, Network Rail’s project director for line of route electrification, said: “Piling is an essential part of our work to electrify the railway, but it is also noisy.

“That’s why we want to give our neighbours as much notice as possible and will continue working closely with both councils to do all we can to minimise the disruption.”

He added: “Installing these foundations means the residents of Newbury and its surrounding area are a step closer to the long-term benefits that electrification will bring.

“These include faster trains with more seats and more legroom, and less noise and cleaner air for those who live close to the railway.

“Faster journeys and the ability to move more people by train will also benefit businesses in the area, helping to drive economic growth across the South West.”

Newbury town councillor James Fredrickson (Con, Victoria) said: “It’s fantastic to see continued progress in the electrification of the Newbury rail line.

“Not only will this deliver faster, more reliable trains travelling to key destinations, but quieter trains that have a reduced impact on the environment.

“This will be particularly valuable to the residents and businesses in and around the station and tracks, who are currently facing the brunt of the ongoing work.”

The information events will take place on Wednesday, July 13, and Thursday, July 14, in Northbrook Street, outside Marks & Spencer, between 9.30am and 4pm.

The piling work forms part of Network Rail’s £40bn Railway Upgrade Plan.