Londonderry line engineering progressing on time

Representatives were given an overview of the project which continues to progress on time and on budget and had a unique opportunity to visit the works being carried out to the Bann Bridge with its lifting span across the River Bann.

Mal McGreevy, Translink General Manager Rail, also took the opportunity to brief the group on the new train timetable to be introduced from January 6th 2013. He said, “There will be a range of benefits to passengers resulting from the new timetable; however the most significant of these will include the introduction of an hourly service between Belfast and Coleraine. In conjunction with this, Translink has also made some adjustments to Goldline Coach Services 218 and 219 from Coleraine/Ballymena to Belfast in order to operate and combined half hourly rail and coach service between Belfast and North Antrim.

“In addition the new timetable brings more seating capacity across the network and frequency enhancements between Belfast and Whitehead.”

The Derry~Londonderry line is expected to open for passenger service in April 2013 and will mark the first phase of developments for enhanced rail travel for the North West.

It is planned to run an hourly train service between Londonderry and Belfast following completion of further signalling works and a new passing loop in 2015 subject to funding approval.

For further information on this engineering project and the new timetable improvements go to www.translink.co.uk