Dame Rosie welcomes rail improvement work at Doncaster Railway Station

The work, which has been two years in the planning, was carried out by Network Rail over the Christmas period and saw specialist track equipment which allows trains to move from one track to another renewed.

There were also upgrades to signalling equipment across the wider Doncaster area. This will help to create a more modern and reliable railway, with smoother journeys.

Dame Rosie met with Steve Hughes, Regional Programme Director and Seb Smith, Route Engineer, for Network Rail, as well as Victor Thorpe, Operations Manager and Jason Dunscombe, Signalling Manager at Central Rail Systems Alliance (CRSA) and Ed Turner, Communications Manager at London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

Alongside discussing the benefits of the upgraded equipment, Dame Rosie was briefed on Network Rail’s new apprenticeship and graduate scheme, as well as the work they do in integrating veterans into successful civilian careers.

Dame Rosie also had the opportunity to see the British Sign Language (BSL) videos that are being trialled by LNER at Doncaster in partnership with Doncaster Deaf Trust. The feature not only signs details of train times but can be updated in real time to notify passengers of any delays or changes to their service.

Dame Rosie said: “I very much welcome the improvements that have taken place and congratulate the Network Rail, CRSA and LNER teams on carrying out the work so effectively over the Christmas break. Doncaster is a key rail hub and these improvements will mean more train services and fewer delays, which is good news for passengers.

“I was also thrilled to learn that Doncaster is recognised as a world leader in its track renewal expertise, given that the railways have such historical significance to our city. It is always worth remembering that rail is not just part of Doncaster’s history but remains incredibly important to our economy and identity to this day. That Doncaster Deaf Trust is contributing to a piloted scheme for BSL announcers with LNER is proof that the ties between Doncaster and the rail industry remain as strong as ever.”

Steve Hughes, Regional Programme Director for Network Rail, said: “It was fantastic to be able to show Dame Rosie the improvements which our teams carried out over the Christmas period.

“This work was planned meticulously, and delivered by more than 200 colleagues, who gave up spending the festive period with their familiars to complete this work, which will improve passenger experience.”