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Open for business: The train tunnel at Gerrards Cross Station

TRAINS are finally set to run along the Gerrards Cross line again after Chiltern Railways announced the tunnel was safe yesterday.

The route will re-open on Saturday, with a full commuter service resuming on Monday.

Network Rail engineers are now working around the clock to replace the track and signalling that was damaged when the tunnel roof collapsed seven weeks ago on June 30.

Tesco which is building a superstore development above the tunnel and their contractors Jackson Civil Engineering have removed more than 25,000 tonnes of earth from the line.

John Armitt, Network Rail's Chief Executive, said: "Now we are satisfied that the tunnel is safe, our engineers have moved in and will be working night and day, rebuilding the track and signalling damaged in the tunnel collapse, to get trains moving once again. I appreciate the last seven weeks have been extremely frustrating for passengers, however we could not contemplate reopening the line unless we were satisfied that the Tesco Tunnel was completely safe."

Cath Proctor, Managing Director for Chiltern Railways, said: "We are very pleased to be able to restore our full timetable, including two trains an hour between London and Birmingham. We thank all our passengers for their patience throughout this difficult time and look forward to providing our usual frequent, reliable and efficient service. The tunnel collapse has caused major disruption to some of our passengers, but we have tried, in very difficult circumstances, to run the very best possible service."

On Monday commuters took to the streets of Gerrards Cross to get answers about the tunnel.

Jennifer Woolveridge, South Bucks District councillor for Gerrards Cross South, was pleased safety concerns have now been overcome.

She said: "I'm pleased for the commuters because they have had a tough time. Safety has always been the major factor and if that is resolved I am very happy."

For full story, see Friday's Bucks Free Press

10:01am Thursday 18th August 2005

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