A father and son duo are helping to keep key workers moving across Britain and assisting critical supplies to arrive at their destination on time.
Howerd Kernahan, 50, a senior programme manager for Network Rail, and his son Rafael, 18, have been part of an engineering team improving the Wigan-Kirkby line.
Whilst taking extra precautions to stop the spread of coronavirus, the team laid 1km of new track through Upholland Tunnel in West Lancashire.
The project involved laying 3,000 sleepers and 3,000 tonnes of ballast and improving trackside drainage.
The work was carried out on three consecutive Saturdays overnight, with staff from Network Rail, Balfour Beatty and Atkins.
The tunnel at Upholland carries 887 metres of railway line under the village and was built in 1848.
What did the officials say?
Howerd, a former British Army captain from Southport, Merseyside, said:
“I strongly believe it is important I'm out there on track leading my team at this difficult time. I feel honoured that my son and I can be part of the wider railway family doing our bit to keep critical supplies and key workers moving in Britain's hour of need.
“The work we've done through Upholland tunnel will help make the Wigan-Kirkby line more reliable both now and long into the future.”
He added:
“Throughout this job we have all worn protective equipment, including masks, and wherever possible have kept two metres between us in line with government social-distancing guidance.”
West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said:
“Superb! What a magnificent effort from everyone involved. It just shows that in these difficult times we can still do essential work safely. This will help the railway stay open for key worker journeys as well as for freight traffic, moving essential fuel, food and medical supplies around the country.
“This magnificent effort helps all our communities. I want to thank everyone involved.”
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Railway men making sure that vital supplies get through. My husband is stores manager for Kent Group and whilst alot of staff have taken the furlough he and his staff are working. Alot of people still working behind the scenes making sure things run as smooth as possible in these tough times.
Well done to both of them. Good to see them working together as a family and as railmen working to keeping our railways safe.
Network Rail could electrify the Wigan-Kirkby line so that Class 777 Merseyrail trains can switch power at Kirkby from DC 750v 3rd Rail to AC 25kv OHL.