Rail upgrade to close city line

The Department of Regional Development (DRD) says the planning process for the rail upgrade will take Londonderry's City of Culture status into consideration with night working a possibility to fast track the work.

A DRD spokesperson told the Sentinel: "To complete the major works involved Translink would plan to close the full line from Coleraine to Derry for approximately a year which would be the most cost effective way of completing the project.

"The planning process will take into consideration that 2013 will be the UK City of Culture for Derry and depending on budgets Translink will consider options to speed up the work such as night working."

Rail Minister Conor Murphy advised an economic appraisal for the track upgrade had to take place before approval for capital funding was given.

Asked by DUP MLA Gregory Campbell for a timescale on the proposed project he stated: "The Economic Appraisal for the Coleraine to Derry Track Renewals project is currently being assessed by DFP to confirm that it demonstrates Value for Money. When that assessment is complete, I will consider giving approval for the project to proceed taking account of available capital funding.

"Subject to that approval, the preliminary work is planned to commence in the spring of 2011. At this time the closure of the line between Coleraine is estimated to last for one year beginning in April 2012.

"However, the start and duration of the closure will be reviewed by Translink when the project receives approval to commence work on site."

The Minister advised the work was likely to be completed by March 2013.