Network Rail engineers carried out the renewal of Burton's ‘diamond' crossing which is a key section of track that features an unusual diamond formation as two railway lines intersect each other. The work was completed over the weekend of the 29th to the 31st of October. The vital section separates passenger trains on the line between Derby and Birmingham from freight services making their way either to or from Leicester.
The £120,000 improvement work will see an increase in both performance and passenger experience by providing smoother and more reliable rail travel. The complex project will also aid Network Rail engineers to maintain the unique rail section into the future.
The junction last saw essential work completed in 2013.
Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail said: “I'd like to thank passengers for bearing with us as we delivered this important upgrade over the weekend. We've updated a crucial junction, which serves to seamlessly separate trains travelling between Derby and Birmingham with those headed for Leicester to join the Midland Main Line.
“Improving this vital kit will bring smoother, more reliable journeys to help passengers and freight get to where they need to be on time, as well as making it easier for our teams to maintain this section of track in the future.”
Will there be any plans for the Cross-City Line with the electrification to extend to Burton-on-Trent. And a new platform to be built at Lichfield Trent Valley.
Or maybe a new siding to be built at Lichfield Trent Valley for Class 730 electric trains to use coming from Birmingham New Street, Reddish and Bromsgrove on the Cross-City Line.