Network Rail has issued an invitation to tender for a scheme at Acton in west London that will improve the reliability of passenger services and deliver increased freight capacity.

When Crossrail services start in 2017, even more trains will travel along the Great Western main line (GWML) so work is needed to improve capacity in the area. The work will involve building a dive under at the west end of Acton Freight Yard and modifications to Acton Yard. This will enable freight trains that head west along the GWML to leave the yard without affecting passenger trains and provide increased capacity for freight. The tender covers the design element of this work.

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Robbie Burns, Programme Director, Network Rail, said: "Network Rail is transforming the railway to make Crossrail a success and this work at Acton will give passengers a more reliable service. It also supports our vision to increase the use of rail freight by taking lorries off the roads, reducing traffic congestion as well as carbon emissions."

(CD/GK)