08.12.17
Norwich to London closures over Christmas as engineers replace 1950s wiring
Network Rail has announced a 10-day track closure over the Christmas period as engineers continue a £250m wire-replacement programme.
Work between London and Norwich will see over 10km of wiring replaced – much of which was installed in the 1950s.
The sections contain some of the oldest structures and wiring in the country and it has been known to cause delays when the weather is warm as the wires sag and force trains to travel more slowly to avoid damaging them.
The new wires are controlled by a system of weights which keeps tension in the wires at all times to stop them falling into the path of trains.
NR has also announced upgrade work between Brentwood and Stratford as part of the Crossrail programme.
This will include track and signalling modernisation at Gidea Park sidings to prepare for the longer Elizabeth line trains; continued work on step-free stations; and engineering work at Pudding Mill Lane near Stratford to connect the Elizabeth line’s central tunnel section to the main line in preparation for the line to open at the end of 2018.
Meliha Duymaz, NR’s route managing director for Anglia, confirmed that the work was part of the Railway Upgrade Plan.
She added: “While there will be short-term disruption, the benefits for passengers are real and will last for decades as modern, more reliable infrastructure is installed and preparations made for the introduction of new services and new trains on the Elizabeth line.”
Greater Anglia have reassured passengers that they will be able to complete journeys over the period of closures, although some may have to be by bus.
The operator’s managing director, Jamie Burles, said: “These works are crucial if we are to get the modern railway we need in East Anglia and combined with the new trains we’re getting to replace every single train on our network, should lead to a transformed railway for us all.”
The work begins on Saturday 23 December for a 10-day period.
Southampton disruption
There will also be closures on SWR services through Southampton from this weekend.
On Sunday 10 and 17 December, NR will be disrupting trains as preparatory work begins on an £8m project Mount Pleasant Road next to the River Itchen.
The programme involves track engineering work and will run fully through 24 December to New Year’s Day, it will affect services through the Southampton area, including between London and Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.
Chris Loder, SWR head of strategy, commented: “We encourage passengers to avoid travelling on Christmas Eve if they can and to be prepared for longer journey times between Christmas and New Year.
“We’re doing all we can to minimise disruption and make sure we get all our passengers to their destination over the festive period. Please check before travelling, either online or at one of our stations.”
Top image: Network Rail
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