The upgrade work will bring improved reliability for Greater Anglia and TfL Rail passengers on the line in and out of Liverpool Street.
Work to provide more effective drainage will be undertaken in order to resolve problems with flooding which have caused delays in the past for both passenger services and freight.
Network Rail's engineering team will dig down below the level of the track in order to install 360m of pipes, this new drainage network will move rainwater away from the tracks in a faster and more effective manner which means that trains can remain on the move despite the weather conditions.
Other work being carried out in the same period and on the same part of the line will see Network Rail replace old track, which includes the rails and the sleepers that support them. Essential track work like these is vital to stop issues that lead to delays. Similar to road surfaces, track also wears from continual use and this is even more prevalent on busy main lines. Tracks are inspected regularly and maintenance is carried out to keep them in good working order but eventually, a total replacement is needed.
In order to carry out the essential engineering work between Maryland and Forest Gate safely, Greater Anglia and TfL Rail will have rail replacement buses in operation on the following weekends:
- Sunday the 20th of February
- Sunday the 27th of February
- Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th of March
- Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of March
- Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th of March
Customers are being advised to check their travel plans ahead by visiting, http://nationalrail.co.uk, http://greateranglia.co.uk or http://tfl.gov.uk
E-scooters, e-bikes or full-size bikes cannot be transported on the rail replacement buses.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's route director for Anglia, said:
“We are always working to drive down delays for our passengers and freight partners. In this case, we are improving drainage in an area which has historically been prone to flood-related delays, reducing the possibility of problems in future. The upgraded drainage will also help to extend the life of the new track we are installing as part of the work.
“All in all, we are boosting reliability along one of the busiest stretches of line on Anglia.”
Jamie Burles, Managing Director, Greater Anglia, said:
“Network Rail's track renewals and drainage improvements on this critical part of the railway will help to keep our trains running on time.
“We'll be operating a rail replacement bus service while the work takes place, so customers will be able to complete their journeys. Customers should check before they travel and allow more time for their journeys. We'd like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding.”
If it’s to do with continuing on replacing overhead wires. Then Network Rail should continue on replacing overhead wires at Prittlewell and Southend Victoria on the Southend Victoria Line.
And also to replace ageing overhead wires between Fenchurch Street and Bromley-by-Bow. And replacing overhead wires on the Ashburys-Gosslop and Hadfield lines in Greater Manchester.