Dickson Welcomes £19 million ‘Dark Arches’ Rail Refurbishment Project

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has welcomed an announcement from the Department for Infrastructure of a £19 million 'Dark Arches' rail refurbishment project that will begin in the Whiteabbey area this week.

Mr Dickson commented: “I am delighted that this refurbishment project is about to get underway. Our rail service is such a vital part of Northern Ireland’s infrastructure, keeping the people connected and the economy functioning.

“As well as maintaining the network, this project will enable sustainable travel for decades to come, and demonstrates Northern Ireland’s focus on green recovery.”

The essential engineering works include the full renewal of the track along the ‘Dark Arches’ between Whitehouse Park and Whiteabbey Station, installation of a new track drainage system, installation of new ducted routes for signalling and telecoms, demolition of one of the overbridges, and installation of new retaining walls to increase the rail corridor width and provide continuous positions of safety.

The project will take place in stages, with preparatory work starting this week and all works expected to be completed by early 2022.

Translink’s Director of Infrastructure, John Glass said: “Preliminary enabling works, including night-time works, will begin on 8th July. We will be working closely with our contractors to complete the works as quickly as possible, keeping noise and inconvenience to a minimum.

"Later this year, a weekend closure will take place on 2nd/3rd October and the main construction works, involving a 10-day line closure, will take place over the Christmas period. Bus substitutions will be put in place during the line closure."