Network Rail invests $156 million to upgrade railway around Nottingham

UK-based rail infrastructure operator Network Rail has announced that it is refurbishing the railway around Nottingham, UK with a £100 million ($156.2 million) investment.

The infrastructure work will range from new and refurbished station buildings to a complete redesign of the track and signals. The work includes construction of a new station platform, installing 143 new signals, and re-laying six miles of track.

The renewal includes closing of three signal boxes and Trent power signalbox and replaces them with two new workstations at Derby signalling centre. The project also includes renewal of two level crossings, and two level crossings will be closed and will be replaced with footbridges.

Martin Frobisher, route managing director for East Midlands, said that the new platform at Nottingham station will complement the Nottingham Hub Project which is set to start in September 2012 delivering better station facilities.

The UK government has also announced plans to electrify the line to Nottingham. Construction will begin in September 2012 and will be finished in December 2013. Nottingham’s tram project is due to complete in late 2014.