Media centre

Monday 7 Dec 2020

Christmas rail works to deliver reliability improvements across the Anglia region

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

A major package of rail improvements is set to be carried out over the Christmas period to improve punctuality of services and reduce the number of delays on rail services across the region.

Engineering work is being carried out from late on 24 December to 3 January (inclusive). With the exception of Christmas Day and most routes on Boxing Day, many trains will be running and passengers are being advised to check before they travel as some routes may be affected by the the following planned engineering works: 

London

• Great Eastern main line
  • Refurbishment of nine points at Liverpool Street station that allow trains to change from one track to another, vital to maintain a reliable service
  • Installing new structures and overhead wires at Stratford that adapt to temperature changes, essential for improving reliability, especially in hot weather.
  • Crossrail power upgrade work between Bow junction and Shenfield and continuing station works at Ilford and Romford.
  • MTR Elizabeth line, who will operate the Elizabeth line on Transport for London’s behalf, will commence work to extend platforms 16 and 17 at Liverpool Street, in preparation for the full-length Elizabeth line trains which are planned to be introduced in 2021.
  • TfL will carry out works to the Ardleigh Green bridge to demolish the central pier during the closure

• North London line
  • Works at Camden Road and Chalk Farm to allow the safe running of services

Essex

• Great Eastern Main line
  • We're installing new switches and crossings units at Colchester which allow trains to change tracks from one track to another, vital to maintain a reliable service

• Southend Victoria line
  • Overhead wire and track maintenance between Rayleigh and Southend Victoria to improve reliability
• Clacton branch line
  • Maintenance on the Clacton branch line
• London, Tilbury and Southend line
  • Overhead wire renewal at Leigh on Sea  

Norfolk

• Great Eastern main line
  • Refurbishment of crossover at Norwich station that allow trains to change from one track to another, vital to maintain a reliable service
  • Wheel timber renewals at Trowse swing bridge essential for supporting and strengthening the track
  • Bridge replacement works at Postwick

Cambridgeshire

• West Anglia main line
  • Wheel timber renewals at River Cam bridge, essential for supporting and strengthening the track
  • GTR enhancement works at Cambridge carriage sidings

Rail companies are working together to deliver their plan for the government's Christmas travel window between 23 and 27 December including maximising space by running more and longer services where possible, providing improved travel information and travel alerts, and extra staff on hand at busy locations to help people with their journeys.

As part of the industry's safer travel pledge, rail companies are taking steps so that passengers using the network can travel with confidence, including cleaning more frequently and using powerful, long lasting, anti-viral products. Passengers are advised to continue to follow the latest Covid-19 guidance to wash hands regularly, wear a face covering (unless exempt) and maintain social distancing where possible. 

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “We’re carrying out a huge package of essential upgrades and maintenance works to our network to improve passengers journeys for years to come. It’s vital that works like these are completed, especially at critical points like Norwich, Colchester and Liverpool Street, to benefit everyone on the Anglia network. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this work.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said: “These works are essential for the railway in East Anglia. We will make sure that our customers can complete their journeys, although some of it may be by rail replacement bus. We are working hard to make sure rail passengers can travel with confidence. Information about Christmas travel arrangements, including last train times, and measures we’re taking as result of the pandemic are available on our website and social media. Please check before you travel and remember to wear a face covering over your face and mouth for the entire journey, unless you are exempt.”

More details will be available ahead of the festive period and passengers can check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator, or by following #ChristmasRailWorks on Twitter.