New track, sleepers and ballast have been installed by Network Rail at Billericay on the Southend Victoria branch line.
The upgrade means fewer delays for key workers using the line and is ready for when other passengers return.
Over the weekend of 18-19 April, engineers replaced over 300 metres of rails, sleepers and ballast at Billericay while the line was already closed for replacement of overhead wires.
This work at Billericay has coincided with the completion of track renewal at Maryland on the Great Eastern Mainline.
Passengers are reminded to travel only if essential.
What did the officials say?
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's route director for Anglia, said:
“Although most of our passengers are staying at home right now, our engineers are still carrying out essential work like this to keep services running smoothly and safely every day for key workers and to keep vital freight services moving. This work will improve reliability for years to come, meaning fewer delays and cancellations now and when our passengers return.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia's Managing Director, said:
“It's great news that this work has been completed, and it's even better that the work was carried out when the line was already closed for the replacement of the overhead wires, to reduce the inconvenience to passengers.
“We are introducing new trains on the Southend line. These trains are currently being built and tested and the first one will be in service later this year.
“While many of our customers are heeding government advice and staying at home, we are very thankful to our railway colleagues, both at Greater Anglia and Network Rail, who are continuing to keep the railway open for essential travel.”
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Has this work eliminated the 30mph restriction on the Shenfield side? This was introduced to improve safety at the public foot crossing, but was replaced by an over bridge some 8 years ago, the speed restriction remaining. Letters to NR asking for clarity have brought a nil result. If the 30 still exists I can see little benefit to passengers.
Brilliant effort from Network Rail.
Once again another great achievement from Network Rail. Including making lots of improvements, track maintenance and overhead wiring renewals on the Southend Victoria Line to improve better rail services. Before the Class 720 Aventras enters service in the summer.