Cotswold Line to reopen today (From Witney Gazette)

Cotswold Line to reopen today

3:31pm Friday 3rd August 2007 in Witney

NETWORK Rail said it expects to reopen the line between Oxford and Worcester this afternoon following the recent flooding across the Cotswolds and the Thames Valley.

Passenger services are expected to run from about 4pm today.

About 150 engineers were deployed to work across the region to deal with the flooding across 25 separate sites, removing debris, clearing drains and repairing bridges. Embankments and cuttings which were washed away have been rebuilt, and track and signalling systems have been replaced so the railway could be safely reopened.

John Gill, Area General Manager for the West Country, said: "The flooding caused extensive damage to the railway. It's been a tremendous challenge for our engineering teams to restore the network. I'm satisfied that after a lot of hard work from everyone involved that we're able to reopen the line ahead of this weekend. I would like once again to thank passengers and train operating companies for their patience during these very difficult circumstances."

A First Great Western spokesman said: "This is great news for our customers."

Passengers can get the latest information from www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk or by calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.