Network Rail, alongside its contractors, has successfully completed a complex track renewal project through the narrow Northchurch Tunnel, enhancing the West Coast Main Line for both passengers and freight. The work commenced on New Year’s Eve and involved replacing 400 meters of railway line between Berkhamsted and Tring.
This section of the West Coast Main Line, one of Europe’s busiest mixed-use passenger and freight routes, features three tunnels. The two fast lines share one tunnel, while the slow lines each have their own, with the oldest tunnel dating back to 1836. The renewal of the track in one of the slow tunnels posed significant logistical challenges due to the confined space, necessitating a staged approach to remove old materials and install new ones.
From December 31 to January 4, the project achieved the following milestones:
- Installation of 672 new sleepers on 24 track panels
- Removal of 1,860 tonnes of old spoil from the tunnel
- Laying of 2,200 tonnes of new track foundation stone (ballast)
- Utilization of six engineering trains
- Installation of 430 metres of steel rail
- A total of 2,440 staff hours worked to complete the project
Due to the complexity of the upgrade, both slow lines were closed, with all trains rerouted to the fast lines. The lines reopened on Saturday, January 4, and passengers are being thanked for their patience as services operated on a reduced timetable during the improvement works.
Image credit: Network Rail
