Network Rail has announced repairs to a tunnel on the Northampton Loop have been successful, with trains now running the route again.
Ever since its construction over 140 years ago, Crick tunnel on the Northampton Loop has suffered from excessive water building up on the tracks, affecting the condition of rails and in turn delaying both freight and passenger trains that use the line.
Network Rail, in partnership with Train Operating Companies who run trains on the route, have been planning the best time to carry out repairs that would involve a full closure of the line.
With COVID-19 reducing passenger numbers, the opportunity was taken to close the route earlier this month, having a reduced impact on customers.
Working over a five day period, an impressive timescale, Network Rail's team focused on improving the drainage to the affected areas around the Victorian tunnel, to reduce the chances of too much water building up and delaying trains with speed restrictions or closure.
This work was carried out between Monday 15th and Friday 19th of March 2021.
Network Rail's West Coast Mainline South Route Director James Dean said: “I'd like to thank passengers making essential journeys for their patience while we carried out this accelerated upgrade work on the vital route between London Euston and the Midlands.
“This speedy upgrade of Crick tunnel shows how the rail industry is coming together to get the railway in the best possible shape for passengers when they can return once coronavirus travel restrictions are eased. This is all part of our commitment to build back better as the country emerges from the pandemic.”
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Delivering vital maintenance work while our railways are quieter has seen a crucial stretch of the Northampton loop upgraded, set to reduce the number of delays experienced by passengers.
“I thank passengers for their patience during this short closure, which has ensured that we can deliver an efficient and value for money upgrade, focused on improving services and putting passengers first.”
Gus Dunster, executive director of operations and safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “We are proud to have played our part to facilitate this unique opportunity for Network Rail to access and upgrade Crick Tunnel, while protecting vital services for key workers and those making essential journeys.
“This scale of work would usually take months of careful planning and take a year to complete but as a result of collaborating successfully with industry colleagues, we were able to do this in a matter of days. It's a great achievement and we would like to thank all of those involved for making this happen, and for the patience of everyone who travelled with us over the five days as the work was completed.
“The work will help to make journeys more reliable for our customers when we look forward to welcoming them back in the near future.”
Lawrence Bowman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, said: “I would like to thank our passengers who have made essential journeys over the past week for their patience while these crucial improvements were carried out.
“We know unexpected delays following bad weather are frustrating for our customers which is why Network Rail's work to tackle this flooding hotspot will prove so valuable as more people begin travelling again.”
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