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Archive
1997-02-05 RTK-001
Railtrack plc
Railtrack plans to modernise West Anglia line
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Press release
Railtrack plc
Railtrack plans to modernise West Anglia line
More reliable rail services are on the way for Kings Lynn rail travellers. Railtrack, the rail infrastructure owner, has just announced that it is planning to modernise most of the railway signalling system between Bethnal Green and Bishops Stortford, including lines to Chingford, Enfield and Hertford East, and from Ely to Kings Lynn.
Although the current system was largely installed in the early 1960s, some of it is much older, and is all nearing the end of its useful life.
The first stage of the project is to identify how best to undertake this large engineering project, and work on this is already underway. A team of engineering consultants is looking at the existing system and will be advising on the best form of replacement. Traditionally, the installation of new railway infrastructure has caused severe disruption to travellers, particularly at weekends. Railtrack is anxious to ensure that travellers are not too inconvenienced whilst work is going on and will be investigating ways of working that cause the least possible disruption.
The first part of the study is expected to be complete in late spring and will provide a range of options for modernisation. The next phase will fully investigate each option and determine the best course of action. Railtrack is expecting work to start on site in early 1999.
Commenting on the proposals, Railtrack zone director Michael Holden said:-
"Railtrack is committed to modernising the railway's infrastructure and this study has started the ball rolling on the West Anglia line.
"This is excellent news for rail users. Although we have not yet decided exactly how the signalling will be updated, the outcome will be a multi-million pound investment scheme which will result in a more reliable train service. The initial study will start to prepare the line for the 21st century.
"We shall of course be working with WAGN Railway, to ensure that the new equipment we install meets their aspirations for improving their train services."
"As well as this major project we do have some immediate plans for the line too, and will be spending £3 million during the coming year on renewing track at various locations between Bethnal Green and Kings Lynn."
Once work starts on site, the modernisation project is expected to take two to three years to complete.
Railnews Archive ::: 1997-02-05 RTK-001
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