Network Rail installed overhead wiring system under the Southend Victoria project which involved a £46 million (EUR 52.7 million) investment to improve reliability for key workers currently using the line and in the long term when passengers return to work.
More than 100 km of new overhead wire has been installed between Southend Victoria and Shenfield, where the branch line joins with the new overhead line system on the main line. This means that a new wiring system is in place on the Southend – London route.
The new system adapts to temperature changes which is particularly important in hot weather, meaning fewer delays and cancellations and overall reliability improvements all year round.
“This work was vital to bring the equipment up to 21st century standards which hugely improves reliability and brings the line up to the modern standards seen on other parts of the network,” Ellie Burrows, Network Rail route director, Anglia, said.
The entire project included the installation of 320 km of wires and 200 structures that support the wires at the correct height and tension on the entire route that runs between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria.
Southend Victoria project is part of a programme to transform the rail services for Southend passengers. This means a bigger and better railway, including fewer delays and cancellations, especially in hot weather, allowing for more train services to support the growing number of passengers, new housing, and the local economy including the busy airport and supporting the introduction of Greater Anglia’s new trains.
“It’s great news that this work has now been completed. The next big change on this line, will be the introduction of our brand-new state-of-the-art trains, later this year, which will complete its transformation into a modern 21st century railway,” Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said.
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