14.06.17
GWML electrification progresses with completion of Wiltshire works
Electrification work on the Great Western Main Line has taken a step forward today as Network Rail announced it had successfully upgraded the railway in Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett.
Engineers worked over the weekend of 10 and 11 of June to lower the track beneath Hunts Mill Bridge in Wootton Bassett and Roman Road Bridge in Swindon.
These works allowed for space to be created for the overhead line equipment, which are necessary for electrification to be installed in the future. The parapets of both bridges were also made higher to provide a safe distance between those using the bridge and the high-voltage electricity cables.
This key set of works will now open the way for the arrival of a fleet of new, longer Intercity Express trains later on in the year.
The new rolling stock will bring more seats per carriage and make services more comfortable for passengers. The trains will run as electric through Swindon and Wootton Basset from December 2018.
Garry Fernand, Network Rail project manager, said: “The improvements carried out in Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan are extensive but essential in order to bring our railway into the 21st century and improve passengers’ experience.
“We’d like to thank residents and motorists for their patience and understanding during this upgrade, which will pave the way for electrification and the benefits this will bring.”
Today’s update comes after the electrification programme was slammed earlier in the year, with MPs in the former Public Accounts Committee arguing that it was a good example of how not to run a major rail project.
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