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Tuesday 7 Jul 2020

Track maintenance work starts this weekend at Clapton to keep rail services running reliably

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail will carry out vital track replacement work at Clapton on the rail line between Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale and Chingford at weekends throughout July, starting this weekend (11 July).

Four points, which allow trains to switch from one track to another, will be replaced where the track splits at Clapton between Tottenham Hale and Chingford. This part of the track allows services to change to either of these lines. Nearly half a mile of track will also be replaced as part of the work.

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.

The work will increase reliability for passengers, meaning fewer delays and cancellations and takes place at weekends between 11 July to 2 August. Follow-up works take place on Sundays 16 and 30 August. As part of the work, a temporary speed restriction will be in place between 27 July and 3 August which will impact train services and passengers are advised to check service updates before they travel.

Track maintenance, level crossing upgrades and drainage work will also take place on the Hertford East branch line on Sunday 5 and 26 July and Sunday 2 and 9 August affecting services between Broxbourne and Hertford East. Further maintenance work will take place between Stratford and Lea Bridge on Sunday 9 August and West Anglia services will not call at Stratford.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “It’s vital that we keep on top of our maintenance work to keep the tracks and equipment in good condition to avoid delays and cancellations. This essential work will help us run services safely and reliably for passengers.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “These works are essential to improve the reliability of our railway. We will ensure that customers are still able to complete their journeys, whether it be by rail replacement bus or a diverted train service. Journeys may take longer than usual. Full details of alternative travel arrangements are available on the Greater Anglia website and app.”

Services between Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale, Stratford to Meridian Water, Stratford to Bishops Stortford, Liverpool Street to Hertford East and Stansted Express services will be affected by the works. Passengers using these services are advised to check their journey before they travel at www.greateranglia.co.uk