Coronavirus: Network Rail team in Peterborough working hard to keep railway running

During lockdown, key railway workers are continuing to maintain the track in the Peterborough area to make sure the railway can operate safely and efficiently. This work is crucial to keep essential services moving, to allow people who cannot work from home to get to their jobs and so vital supplies such as food, medicine and fuel can be transported across the country via freight services.

Network Rail said it is taking all necessary precautions to keep workers safe while this essential work is undertaken, complying with the latest public health advice from Government.

A reduced passenger timetable was introduced last month to allow a reliable service to remain in operation. Network Rail is reminding passengers that only essential journeys should be made and those who do need to use the railway should continue to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

Liam West, an operative in Network Rail’s maintenance team, said: “Our work to maintain the tracks in the Peterborough area is crucial to keep essential freight and passenger services moving during this challenging time.

“I am proud to work with an exceptional team that works hard to make sure NHS staff, emergency service workers and supermarket staff can get to and from their jobs, as well as making sure that the railway can safely transport food, medical supplies and fuel across the country via freight services.

“The current situation has brought some new challenges, but we have an important role to play to keep Britain moving.”