Network Rail engineers have completed the first weekend of track replacement work at Kelvedon in Essex which is aimed at improving journeys to the capital.
Passengers from East Anglia had to use a bus replacement service between Colchester and Witham last weekend and will have to do the same this weekend and on Sunday, October 15, while the track is renewed.
Two switches and crossings units, the moveable sections of track that guide trains from one track to another and allow them to cross paths, were installed over last weekend and another two will be installed this coming weekend.
This follows the installation of 274 metres of new track between Stowmarket and Manningtree last month. Over time, track becomes worn from constant use, especially on the busy main line, and needs to be replaced to keep services on the move to improve reliability.
Ballast, the stones that form the track bed, was also replaced to improve drainage and keep the track in place. This keeps the track in good condition resulting in fewer delays and smoother journeys for passengers.
Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “This work is essential to improve reliability and keep services running smoothly and safely on this busy main line as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.
“When complete, the work will benefit all passengers using services that pass through the Kelvedon area. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this work.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “We’ll make sure customers can complete their journeys while this vital work is taking place. We’ll have about 50 buses a day and extra staff at stations to make sure customers catch the right bus on each day.”
The work at Kelvedon will be finished then, but there will be further track closures between Liverpool Street and Ingatestone on various weekends during October and November – passengers are advised to check the Greater Anglia website before travelling.
And there is a total rail shutdown between London and Ingatestone over Christmas and the New Year with no trains running on this section of track between December 23 and January 1.
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