Network Rail £400m upgrade to start early 2009

Work starts early next year on the latest phase of a £400m scheme to upgrade signalling in Network Rail's South Wales area.

The £150m-plus first phase will be carried out by a variety of contractors including Atkins, Amey and Amco Rail.

The programme is aimed at improving the reliability of the rail infrastructure in the Newport area.

Core re-signalling work will be carried out between Patchway - Hereford - Park Junction and the job will be delivered in two stages for completion by the close of 2010.

In addition, major track remodelling will take place at Severn Tunnel Junction, East Usk and Maindee East Junction.

The full re-signalling programme is expected to be completed in 2015.

Dave Ward, Network Rail's route director, said: "This is one of the largest re-signalling programmes in the country and will set the building blocks for further investment to meet future growth."