Railway between Risborough and Aylesbury opens
The works to upgrade the major railway between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough have completed after a three-month closure brought disruption to passengers.
Trains resumed service on Monday, October 30. During the 12 weeks of works, passengers had to travel by rail replacement bus.
Director for ‘On Network Works’ for Network Rail and HS2 Patrick Cawley said: “I’d like to say a huge thanks to passengers and local people for their patience while we carried out our major improvements in Aylesbury which will pave the way for HS2, Britain’s new high-speed railway.
“As part of the project we’ve upgraded almost 2km of track in the area which will mean locally that our passengers and freight customers will also benefit from smoother and more reliable journeys.”
A total of 2,953 concrete sleepers and 2,000 metres of rail were installed during the works, alongside 11,000 tonnes of railway stone ballast.
🧁 Did someone say cake?
🙏 We’re thanking passengers with @chilternrailway this afternoon at #Aylesbury & #PrincesRisborough stations for their patience during our recent railway upgrades to prepare for @HS2ltd[2][3][4][5]
👋 Find us on Platform 3
🔗 https://t.co/EWR8kuMlf7 pic.twitter.com/z4H3okucy2[6][7]
— Chiltern Main Line (@NetworkRailCML) October 31, 2023[8]
Because of works to realign the railway, Marsh Lane level crossing remains closed to all road users until all the works are completed in 2024.
“We understand that this road closure will be extremely disruptive to local people and regret that we need to keep the level crossing closed for such a long period of time,” Network rail said.
During the crossing closure, the diversion of North Lee Lane runs from Marsh Lane to Little Kimble, then to Princes Risborough and past Terrick and back onto the A4010 Risborough Road.