Letter Date 23 December 2015 (Ref Dec15 & Jan16 through to Apr16 works)
Ref No: VIRs 33m 26ch T: 03457 11 41 41
Dear Sir/Madam,
IMPROVEMENT WORKS UPDATE – Rochester Station
Further to the letter sent to you on 01 December 2015, I can confirm that the new station is now open and the old station is now closed for passenger services.
Over the coming months we will carry out remaining works within the new station and on platform 3. I would also like to advise that works will take place to decommission the old station between January and August 2016; these works will include the demolition of the signal box.
GENERAL WORKING HOURS
Any activities that can be carried out while trains are operating will take place from Monday to Saturday between 08:00 and 18:00 (with an hour either side of these times to set up and close down the site).
The majority of the remaining work will take place at night (between approximately 00:00 and 07:00) while we temporarily suspend passenger services and switch off power to the railway. This is to ensure the safety of our site teams working next to/on the railway track or if there are activities that can only be carried out when the station is closed to the public.
Our contractor may also need to work at night (mid-week and weekends) during the construction period. We will not be working every night; however there will be periods when work takes place over consecutive nights during the construction period.
Monthly updates will be sent to you outlining the next four weeks of work including any alterations to the programme.
Please note that changes to the programme may vary from week to week depending on unexpected events, cancellations or emergency works required to maintain the track. I would also like to advise that redundant materials will be recovered and removed from the railway and this will be on-going during our improvement works. If these works are likely to cause disturbance we will write to you again.
TRACK MAINTENANCE WORKS
I would like to advise that from 02:00 until 23:00 on Sunday 03 January 2016, our contractors will carry out some essential track maintenance works. These works have the potential to generate some noise.
WORK DURING EASTER 2016
During the Easter period our contractors will carry out further works to the railway, however we will confirm timings and activities in a further letter.
HOW WE WILL MANAGE THE IMPACTS ON OUR NEIGHBOURS
We recognise that construction work on the railway can be disruptive to those living or working nearby. The nature of our work often means some disturbance is unavoidable, but please be assured that every effort is made to minimise any unnecessary noise. Works will include the use of heavy machinery including mechanical excavators, generators, compressors, disc cutters and lighting. These items of plant will increase the noise levels in the area at various times of the day. However, sound barriers will be utilised where possible and use of plant will be staged to avoid excessive noise levels.
DELIVERIES AND SITE ACCESS
Delivery of materials to the new station will be via Gas House Road and Blue Boar Lane (As previously explained Blue Boar Lane will be closed until end of April 2016, this will not affect pedestrian access to surrounding properties). Staff will access the old station via the main entrance and materials will be delivered via access gate. We have investigated various locations and this is the only viable option available to get this much needed work done. We have reminded all staff to be considerate to our neighbours.
I hope this information is helpful and we apologise for any inconvenience these essential works may cause. However, if you have any questions or concerns, please visit www.networkrail.co.uk/contactus or telephone our 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
Impact on Southeastern Rail Services
Please note that these works will result In either no, or partial closure of Southeastern services across the network.
Please check before you travel at www.southeastemrailwav.co.uk
Yours sincerely
James Bates
Community Relations Manager