Over a mile of rail track is to be replaced through Lurgan town centre – at a cost of close to £12 million.
The planned scheme is still a year-and-a-half away.
But, given the scale of the work required, Translink NI has written to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to outline what is expected to happen.
Subject to a final business case approval, the work – which will represent an investment of around £11.9 million – will take place in the summer of 2019.
It has been described by Translink as a “major railway engineering project”.
Project Manager Allan Stewart, in a letter to council, states: “This essential upgrade works will improve the overall quality of the track so we can deliver an even better real service for everyone.
“In addition, there will be approximately 315 m of platforms renewed through Lurgan train station plus other essential civil engineering works. It will also mean reduced levels of maintenance in the future.”
While the main work is being planned to start in summer 2019, Translink confirms it is about to start some preliminary topographical surveys and ground investigations over the coming weeks.
This will be required to facilitate the design of the track elements.
“This will mean some night time works, but we are keeping this to a minimum to reduce and mitigate any impact on the local community,” says Mr Stewart.
“We are very mindful that this is a densely populated area and have already taken steps to engage with the community to update them on this forthcoming works and will continue to work with them to keep them updated on the project as our plans progress.
“More and more people are choosing the train as their first choice of travel with record numbers travelling over the last year. We would like to ask for your ongoing support as we work to maintain a high-quality rail service for everyone.”
