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Network Rail to deploy 14,000 rail engineers for Easter improvement works

Network Rail is to deploy a 14,000-strong army of engineers at Easter as it embarks on an ambitious programme of improvements.

The £100m works will see new station facilities, new platforms, new junctions and thousands of pieces of new, more reliable, equipment installed and delivered.

At London Bridge work to transform the station will continue as engineers carry out improvements to track, signalling and platforms, including new lines brought into use near New Cross and old track dismantled.

Meanwhile new freight lines will be built under the Reading viaduct to completely separate passenger and freight services. An entire new signalling system is also being brought on-line replacing the existing one that has brought the route to a halt almost half a dozen times in the recent past

In Watford: a worn-out bridge is to be replaced south of the station, with the new bridge allowing line speeds to be increased. The team, as part of the £81m scheme will also be replacing old and tired track, signalling and junctions.

Essential improvements will also take place at Liverpool Street station in London. New overhead lines installed at Chadwell Heath, Romford and Ilford on the main line to Norwich.

The work is being conducted at Easter as passenger numbers usually drop by 20% to 40% compared to normal.

Mark Carne, Network Rail chief executive, said: ““I’d like to apologise to any passengers whose plans are affected by our improvement work, but I hope they will understand that this is a quieter time on the railway and we want to minimise the overall impact of these vital projects on passengers.”

He added: “We have thoroughly reviewed our Easter improvement work and worked closely with the train operating companies. The industry has good contingency plans in place that will put passengers first.”

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