A ceremony has marked the start of a £1.5 million scheme to improve facilities for rail passengers on the Braintree branch line.
First cut - Michael Gage and Virginia Pamment start the £1.5 million work on Braintree branch line watched by, from left, Paul Munson, Theo Steel, Rob Fairhead and Terry Flower. Picture: STEVE ARGENT (38737-2)
The turf-cutting ceremony at Braintree station was performed by Michael Gage, Braintree Council's cabinet member for transportation, and representatives of train operator One and the Strategic Rail Authority - which has funded the work.
The scheme involves extending the platforms at Braintree and White Notley stations and associated works.
Combined with the introduction of selective train door operation at Braintree Freeport and Cressing stations, it will enable the length of trains able to operate along the Braintree branch to increase from eight to 12 carriages from December.
This will increase passenger capacity on peak-time services by 50 per cent, or 300 seats on each train.
Published Friday, October 8, 2004
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