28.09.17
NR moves forward on £46m Southend Victoria Line wire replacement scheme
Significant steps forward have been taken to install new overhead wires on the Southend Victoria branch line this weekend as part of a £46m programme of works.
Network Rail has installed over 1km of new wire between Shenfield and Billericay, which will mean fewer delays and improved reliability for passengers.
However, engineers still have a long way to go as the whole project will see 128km of wire installed on the line, with reliability being improved with every new piece of wire that is added.
Currently, the line uses some of the oldest wires and structures in the country, dating back to their installation in the 1950s. This causes problems in hot weather, as wires sag – meaning speed restrictions have to be imposed to protect them from damage.
But the new wires use a system of weights to keep them taut, allowing trains to travel at their normal speed without being delayed.
The programme has been ongoing in evenings and overnight since May this year, allowing workers to put 100 structures in place ready to take the new wire a year earlier than would have been possible without extra midweek access.
“We recognise the issues our Southend passengers face in summer when services are delayed because of sagging overhead wires,” said Meliha Duymaz, NR’s route managing director for Anglia.
“We’re installing a new overhead wiring system to improve the reliability of train services as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and we’ve fast-tracked the work so passengers can start seeing the benefits as soon as possible.”
And Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, added: “With these new overhead wires, combined with our brand new trains coming, together we are transforming the Southend line.
“We know people would rather stay on the train until their destination, but during engineering works, we will always make sure that customers can complete their journeys, even if part of it is by bus.”
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