Network Rail is urging residents who live close to its 2500 miles of railway in the North West to sign up to a new digital notification system.
The service allows residents and businesses to receive timely and detailed information about ongoing railway work that Network Rail is carrying out near their home.
The new service is available by visiting networkrail.co.uk/sign-up and offers residents the opportunity to subscribe to receive personalised notifications on work in their area that they would traditionally receive a letter for.
These updates will include important details like dates, expected noise levels, potential road or footpath closures, and disruptions to train services.
This initiative has already seen success in early trials across various regions. Nationally, almost 2,000 residents have subscribed to receive email alerts, reducing reliance on traditional postal notifications, and ensuring faster, more comprehensive updates.
Emma Harding Network Rail’s head of communications in the North West, said: “Currently, we keep our residents updated on work that may impact them by writing to their home. Switching to a digital notification system allows us to be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
“A great advantage of this digital service is its ability to provide residents with real-time updates, especially in cases of last-minute changes or emergency work. I’d encourage everyone who lives by the railway to sign up to this service.” Residents without access to the internet will still receive postal notifications, making sure everyone remains informed. A QR code is also included in all postal notifications, so it’s easier for people to sign up for the digital service quickly.