Network Rail has, over the last year, replaced 36 miles of track in Cambridge, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex in a bid to cut delays for passengers.
The areas which have seen renewed track are between Stansted and Broxbourne on the West Anglia Main Line, at Littleport between Ely and Kings Lynn, at Harwich on the Harwich branch line, between Norwich and Ipswich at Colchester and at Maryland on the Great Eastern Main Line.
Track has also been replaced at Billericay on the Southend Victoria branch line, at Somerleyton between Norfolk and Lowestoft, at Brampton on the East Suffolk line and between Ipswich and Bury St. Edmunds.
The work also features replacement and refurbishment of 38 points. These are vital when issues happen giving trains the ability to divert which give a reduction in the number of delays.
As part of the work, 20 level crossings have been renewed to keep them operating efficiently.
For further information about the track renewal work in the Anglia region visit the Network Rail website.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's route director for Anglia, said: “We're committed to improving the reliability of rail services for passengers in Anglia and keeping the track in good condition is essential to keep trains running on time around the region. Throughout the last 12 months we have delivered a huge amount of track renewal work, despite the challenges of the pandemic, to drive down delays and deliver a more reliable service across the network.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “Over the past year, punctuality across our network has been at an all-time high, with almost 95% of trains running on time.
“There are several contributing factors, including the positive impact of our new trains, but another key factor has been the ongoing programme of rail infrastructure improvements being delivered by Network Rail, which have been carried out under very difficult conditions as the country weathered the pandemic.
“We know how important it is to our customers that our trains run on time, which is why we started a concerted punctuality drive jointly with Network Rail in 2018, focusing on all areas of railway operations, to improve the reliability and punctuality of our service. We're really pleased that our joint efforts are succeeding and we are working hard to maintain these good results as people return to the railway.”
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Good news on existing track renewal but thanks to the 20thC rail cuts there’s basically one route left through Essex into London. When I lived in the area this one route had to shut completely during repair works so I don’t quite understand the article when it says trains will be able to divert and reduce delays.
The points which have been replaced are needed to reduce delays when certain incidents occur, such as bypassing a broken down train. If the whole line needs to be closed (for example a bridge replacement) then obviously this doesnt help.
But there is still a lot of improvements to be made such as continuing on replacing overhead wires at Prittlewell and Southend Victoria and a new footbridge to be erected at Prittlewell.