Translink NI Railways improvement works this April on the Portadown Line

Translink is set to carry out essential engineering works on the Portadown line on two weekends in April, Saturday/Sunday 8^th and 9^th , Saturday /Sunday 22^nd and 23^rd.

To facilitate the works, there will be a line closure between Belfast Great Victoria Street and Portadown stations, with bus substitution services in place for local rail and cross-border Enterprise services.

Works will take place at multiple sites to maximise the closure period. 

The main work will see the start of a major signalling upgrade at Lisburn, but during the closure there will also some works in the Belfast area for the new Belfast Grand Central Station. Works at Adelaide and Finaghy platforms and tunnel repairs will be completed during the closure also. 

Enterprise services will operate as normal between Portadown and Dublin Connolly, with bus substitution in place between Belfast Lanyon Place and Newry. An express coach service will run from between Newry and Belfast Lanyon Place.

Normal rail services will operate between Belfast and Bangor. Train tickets will also be valid for use on appropriate Ulsterbus and Metro scheduled services.

Translink is urging passengers to plan ahead and check timetables before they travel as minor alterations to services may have been made to accommodate bus substitutions. 

Passengers are advised to check online at www.translink.co.uk or use the Journey Planner before they travel and to allow extra time for their journey. 

Translink’s John Glass, Director of Infrastructure and Projects said,

“We are committed to investing, upgrading and enhancing the rail network, with major projects progressing significantly over recent years. These projects are vital to protect and modernise our infrastructure to maintain high quality, safe, and attractive rail services for everyone.

“While the vast majority of the project works are usually undertaken at night, these line closures are essential to complete the work efficiently and safely. They will also enable us to reduce any long term passenger disruption.

“We have carefully planned theses closures to minimise the overall impact on the majority of our passengers.

“We will be hosting a public information day on the Lisburn Area Renewals Works on Tuesday 28^th March in the Bridge Community Centre, for residents and the wider public to find out more about the local project and travel arrangements.

“I would like to thank all our passengers and local neighbours for their support and patience as we progress these essential works”, John concluded.

For more information on Belfast Grand Central Station please visit: www.translink.co.uk/bth 

For more information on Lisburn Area Renewals please visit: www.translink.co.uk/lar 

The Bridge Community Centre is located at 50 Railway St, Lisburn BT28 1XP. The open day will run between 1-3pm and 4-7pm.