July-August Enterprise disruption
 

I see that there will be bus transfers on all Enterprise services for a 4-week period (July 27 to August 23) due to engineering works between Portadown and Lisburn. Apparently almost all NIR Portadown-Belfast services are also cancelled. Any information on what's happening? I would hope that something is being done to improve the track between Lurgan and Lisburn: it's pretty straight and should be suitable for 90mph, but has been appallingly neglected for years.

It is works around Lurgan. Quiet a long closure but given the events a few months ago perhaps there is little choice.

https://www.translink.co.uk/corporat...antrackrenewal

Jamie2k9: Thanks. It's a long closure for just 1.7km of track renewal (+ Lurgan platforms). I shudder to think what might be the impact of renewing all the rather bad track between Lurgan and Lisburn.

Irish Rail's use of weekend single-line working and night-time possessions on the Cork line seems to be much less disruptive.

Its major works and total renewal, level crossings etc. The platforms are being replaced almost entirely as well. The security arrangements are likely to be interesting to say the least.

The documentation and notice from Translink is miles ahead of Irish Rail's standard approach of 7-14 days notice and sketchy information.

The works on the Cork line are mainly automated ballast cleaning which is minor in comparison.

Lisburn to Lurgan has already been refurbished, similar process to Cork line and carried out primarily at night during 2017 and 2018 using the Irish Rail based ballast cleaner with a few weekend closures to excavate and relay through various level crossings.

Has the line speed been raised from the previous 60 to 65 mph? It doesn't seem to be reflected in running times. Should be good for 90 (apart from a couple of AHB crossings)

It has been lifted to 70 mph so far but is expected to be raised to 90 mph later this year. The AHBs will not attract a lower speed limit as up to 100 mph is permitted through such crossings in the UK.

I imagine both both Portadown/Newry locals and the Enterprise will be accelerated later in the year.