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Improvements and Projects

Whitehead Embankment Works

Project Background

Safety is Translink’s top priority, for both customers and staff. 

Translink is committed to maintaining and enhancing our rail infrastructure to deliver a high quality, safe and sustainable public transport network today, and for our future generations

Translink are carrying out essential slope embankment strengthening works on the railway between Whitehead and Larne to ensure high safety standards are maintained and continue the reliable running of local train services. 

At present there is a temporary speed restriction on this section of the line due to work required on the embankment.

Holding repairs have been undertaken to secure the embankment, and trains continue to operate safely, but there is a need to fully secure the embankment. 

Project Goals

  • Provide a permanent solution to strengthen the embankment and remove the speed limit.
  • Make sure the railway is safe for the long term by following industry safety standards and regulations.

What Translink will do

Translink will be undertaking essential safety works to address this issue over the coming weeks, commencing on Sunday 16th February.  Work is expected to last for approximately 8 weeks, with most of this being undertaken during night-time shifts.

There will also be two weekend line closures – Saturday 8th/Sunday 9th March and Saturday 29th/Sunday 30th March – to facilitate this work, with the most disruptive elements of work programmed to be undertaken during these times.

With the exception of the weekend closures, there will be no disruption to train services. Bus substitutions will be provided on the Larne line during those periods, with more information being made available via the usual channels closer to the time. 

Please be assured that every effort will be made to keep any noise and disruption associated with these works to a minimum.  Working with our contractor, F.P McCann Ltd, we will ensure that all appropriate noise alleviation measures are in place.

Whitehead Park and Ride

Please be aware that a temporary works site will be set up within Whitehead Park and Ride site. 

There will be reduced car parking at Whitehead Park and Ride for a period of 8 weeks in order to facilitate this.

Should you have any concerns regarding how the works are being carried out, we will be keen to resolve these with you quickly. Please contact FP McCann project team on 028 7954 9090 selecting Option 03.

We are grateful to our railway neighbours in the Whitehead area for their support and understanding while this essential work to secure line safety is carried out.