Media centre

Tuesday 16 Feb 2021

Harwich branch line services more reliable following track works

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Reliability improvements have been made on the Harwich branch line, following track renewals and maintenance carried out by Network Rail.

Track, sleepers and ballast were all replaced by Network Rail’s engineers as part of a programme of upgrade works to keep passengers and freight services running safely and reliably. The work started on the 10 January and was completed this weekend (14 February).

Over a quarter of a mile of track was replaced near Harwich International station along with sleepers and over 600 tonnes of ballast, the stones that keep the track in place. The surfaces at three level crossings were also renewed as part of the work to prevent issues with the track and the road.

Just like road surfaces, track gets worn from constant use every day. Network Rail’s engineers carry out inspections and repairs regularly but over time the track becomes so worn that a full replacement is the only option to avoid speed restrictions that cause delays and cancellations.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “We’ve renewed the track on the Harwich branch line to keep everything in good working order for our passenger and freight customers. Track renewals are essential to reduce the number of delays and cancellations caused by faults, enabling both passengers and goods to arrive on time.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “These improvements will help improve punctuality and performance on the Harwich branch line. We are working with Network Rail to transform the railway in East Anglia and our new trains are due to be introduced on this line later this year.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work was carried out.

“Government advice at the moment is to stay at home and to only travel for essential reasons such as work, medical appointments and other legally permissible reasons. Our Safer Travel pledge highlights everything we are currently doing to help keep customers safe while travelling with us.”