Rail platform work begins at weekend

Translink NI Railways is advising residents living near Greenisland, Troopersland and Clipperstown stations that Sunday closures relating to platform extension works on the Larne line will take place on March 10, April 14, May 12 and May 26. A bus substitution service will operate between Belfast Central and Larne harbour on these dates.

The extension works will continue until early June. The works at Greenisland are planned to be completed by early April, at Trooperslane by early May, then at Clipperstown in early June.

The work is part of an overall platform extension project across the rail network which commenced in 2011, that is required to accommodate longer trains and enable passengers to access all carriages safely.

Translink NI Railways project manager, Anthony Stove said: “To facilitate the platform works, Sunday closures are needed on the Larne Line on March 10, April 14, May 12 and May 26. We have been working with DRD Roads Service to ensure that these Sunday rail line closures do not coincide with road closures in the area as a result of the A2 roadworks.

“Passengers have been enjoying the improvements in reliability and punctuality brought about by the introduction of new Class 4000 trains onto the rail network in 2011/2012 and the launch of the new timetable last month has encouraged even more passengers to try the train.”

For further information on bus substitution timetables contact Translink on 028 90 66 66 30.