Media centre

Thursday 4 Mar 2021

Track works planned to reduce rail delays between London and Cambridge

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Passengers travelling on the West Anglia Main Line between Liverpool Street, Stansted and Cambridge will benefit from more reliable journeys as work begins to replace worn track this weekend.

Just over two miles of track will be replaced between Stansted and Broxbourne over two weekends along with 120 tonnes of ballast (the stones that keep the track in place) and 2,280 tonnes of sleepers over the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March. Over the weekend of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March, 180 tonnes of ballast and 2880 tonnes of sleepers will be replaced.

Track gets worn from constant use by trains every day, even more so on busy main lines. Engineers carry out inspections and repairs but eventually the tracks need to be replaced to avoid faults that cause delays and cancellations.

Network Rail’s engineers will be using the high output track relaying system (HOTRS) train which quickly replaces existing rails and sleepers with high-performing new ones. The HOTRS works like a conveyor belt, the front part of the train runs on the old rails, while the rear runs on the new rail that the system has installed. This means more track can be replaced within the timeframe, which is essential on the busy main line where track wears out faster.

The work can only take place when trains aren’t running. This will affect passengers travelling between Broxbourne, Stansted Airport and Audley End. A rail replacement service will run while the work takes place and passengers are advised to check before they travel.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “This work is essential to keep services running safely and reliably for our passengers on the West Anglia main line. Track wears faster on the busy main lines and replacing it will reduce the number of delays and cancellations caused by track issues.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “This important work will help improve punctuality and reliability on our busy West Anglia route.

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

“Government advice is currently to stay at home and only travel for legally permissible reasons such as work or medical appointments. We will make sure you can travel safely, both on the train and rail replacement bus. Everyone should wear a face covering while travelling with us for their entire journey, unless they are exempt.”

Passengers are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.

Notes to editors

Buses will replace trains between Stansted Airport and Broxbourne while the work takes place.

On Sunday 7 March, buses will replace trains between Audley End/Stansted Airport and Broxbourne until 09.10, then between Stansted Airport and Broxbourne until the end of service.