New switches and crossings, essential components which allow trains to change tracks, went into service for the first time at London Waterloo this morning (Tuesday 7 April).
Over the Easter weekend, Network Rail and South Western Railway worked together to complete this vital renewal, while also working on other projects, to make as much progress as possible during the line closure.
Engineers replaced four switches and crossings near the entrance to the platforms 18 to 24 at London Waterloo. These platforms serve trains heading for Windsor & Eton Riverside, Reading and Weybridge (via Staines).
Hundreds of trains travel over these vital parts of the track every day, and combined with strengthening and renovation work on the railway bridge spanning Lambeth Road, the railway into London Waterloo is now more resilient, meaning fewer delays and less disruption for passengers.
Engineers at Clapham Junction, Britain’s busiest interchange station, used the line closure to put up a scaffold crash deck beneath the footbridge between platforms 3 and 6. This will support work to upgrade the walkway, which is used by thousands of passengers every day.
Speaking on behalf of South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, George Murrell, Route Renewals Director, said: “We appreciate passengers’ patience during the upgrades at London Waterloo. These improvements will make this vital section of the railway more resilient and help ensure reliable journeys into London.”
Image credit: Network Rail
