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Friday 13 Nov 2015

Network Rail installs the first overhead electrification wiring on the Great Western Main Line

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Last night, Thursday 12 November, Network Rail engineers installed the first overhead wires for the electrification of the Great Western Main Line.

One mile, or 1.6km, of earth wire was installed on the lines west of Reading between Pangbourne and Tilehurst, part of the track that will serve as a test section for the new Class 800 Intercity Express trains.

This is the first section of the new-design overhead line to be erected on the operational railway, and the first overhead line anywhere on the route beyond the existing wires at Airport Junction in Stockley, London. The first 1,000 metres were installed in only 35 minutes.

Network Rail’s senior programme manager, Sinan Al-Jawad, said: “This is a great milestone in this vital project to improve the line for passengers. Electric trains are quieter, cleaner and faster and will offer more seats and better journeys for everyone. I would like to thank all those who were engaged in getting the first wire up.”

ENDS

About the Great Western Electrification Programme:

Electrification will transform the railway between London and Oxford, Newbury, Bristol and Cardiff to deliver a faster, greener, quieter and more reliable railway for passengers, with extra capacity. Electrifying this part of the Great Western route will enhance 235 miles of one of Britain’s busiest and oldest railways, better connecting major towns and cities across southern England and South Wales. This investment, as well as the introduction of a fleet of new trains, will improve journey times and make services more comfortable, smoother, cleaner and quieter for passengers and people living near the railway.

For more information about the Great Western Electrification Programme, visit: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/