24.03.14
23-day block closure for LU Uxbridge track replacement
London Underground (LU) is to replace 6km of track, points and drainage to improve the infrastructure and service reliability of the Uxbridge branch, which is served by both the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines.
LU has decided to do the works in a block closure from 19 July and 10 August, during the school summer holidays, rather than over 14 weekend closures.
George McInulty, LU’s programme director of infrastructure, said: “The track replacement work on the Uxbridge branch is a crucial part of the Metropolitan line upgrade.
“Carrying out a block closure of this section of the network will enable us to complete the work in just over three weeks as opposed to fourteen weekend closures. This approach means that there will be no time lost due to set-up and hand-back of works, which minimises working time and helps to significantly reduce the cost – saving around £3m of tax and farepayers’ money – and ultimately keeping disruption to customers to an absolute minimum.”
During the week the line will be suspended on the Metropolitan line between Uxbridge and Ruislip the Piccadilly line between Uxbridge to Rayners Lane will also be affected. On two weekends the closures will be extended on the Metropolitan line between Uxbridge to Wembley Park and Northwood and on the other two between Uxbridge and Rayners Lane.
Throughout the closure, ticket acceptance will be granted on local buses in the area and a rail replacement bus service will be in operation connecting with the Central line at West Ruislip.
The repair work is part of LU’s £10bn programme of continuous improvement.
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