Big Picture at Etches Park
28 Mar 2007
Big Picture at Etches Park
Work has started on the £5.6m upgrade of Etches Park depot in Derby. The project includes two new fuelling points for Meridian trains and a new inspection and wash pit for Midland Mainline’s fleet of High Speed Trains. The project is scheduled to be completed in November. Once complete Etches Park depot will become self contained. Midland Mainline Project manager, Paul Moran, said, ‘At present to access one part of the depot from the other trains have to travel along the main line for a short distance, which, during the night, when most such movements take place, can be difficult due to the large number of freights passing through Derby. The new layout will eliminate this need to use Network Rail track, which will benefit them as well as us.’ An average night can see up to 140 train movements around the depot. Midland Mainline Managing Director, Garry Raven, who ceremonially commenced the work at the controls of a JCB, said, ‘We’re very excited that our parent company, National Express, has been shortlisted to bid for the new East Midlands Franchise. This remodelled depot will provide an excellent facility for the successful bidder.’