Network Rail regulation and performance

East Coast Upgrade work to continue this weekend

Network Rail and train operators along the East Coast main Line are urging passengers not to travel to or from London King’s Cross or on Thameslink services via Finsbury Park this weekend (June 20^th & 21^st) as work continues on the monumental East Coast Upgrade.

The £1.2bn upgrade work will allow more long-distance trains to run each hour, improving capacity for up to 10,000 extra seats a day on services along the East Coast Main Line, which connects London with the north and Scotland. The project will also provide quicker, more reliable journeys.

Over the weekend, Network Rail will be installing new overhead line equipment as part of work to reopen a disused railway tunnel on the approach to King’s Cross. The extra space will allow additional tracks to be laid, meaning that more trains can enter and exit the station.

So, the improvement work can take place safely, trains will not be bale to entre or exit the station over the two days. All of the work is being done in line with social distancing measures.

Network Rail is also reminding passengers to question whether their journey is necessary in line with current Covid-19 guidance.

Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, Ed Akers, said: “The COVID-19 crisis continues to bring significant challenges for the railway; however, we are working day and night to keep the railway running reliably and safely and to carry out essential work.

“On Saturday, 20 and Sunday, 21 June, we will continue with a vital project to upgrade the East Coast Main Line in a £1.2billion investment. We’ve changed our working methods on site to make sure we can follow Public Health Guidelines and carry on with this project which will bring significant benefits for passengers."

“We’d like to remind everyone that they should only be making journeys that are necessary, but if you do need to travel, please seek alternative travel arrangements. Bus replacement services will be in place, but journey times will be significantly longer than usual.”

Images: Network Rail