Disappointment at Over-Running Engineering Works - 12th Apr, 2007

Sian James MP is concerned about the delay in finishing the signalling work on the South Wales Mainline.

Sian James MP said:

"News that the engineering works have over-run have caused considerable disruption for passengers this week, causing them to rely on buses for their work commute and holiday travel.

"I welcome the new investment in the signalling, which previously dated from the 1960s. I understand that the new signalling system was due to be working by Tuesday morning, however I am concerned that the delay will now cause the closure of the line until Saturday morning at the earliest.

"I am informed by Network Rail that the new state of the art system is under test and obviously safety is of paramount importance in such cicumstances. It is disappointing that there appears to have been an underestimation of the length of time this completion work would take and confusion this week of the actual finishing date.

"I am pleased that Network Rail have sincrely apologised for these ongoing delays to customers wishing to travel and the disrution being caused to them. I hope the delay will not be extended further."