MajorWCML engineering projects complete
NETWORKRailstaff and contractorscarriedout vital maintenanceto track, bridgesand equipment in Cumbria,Lancashiret,he WestMidlands,Greater Manchesterand London overthe late-MayBank Holidayweekend.
Major projectsincluded the replacementof EuxtonJunction,near Leyland,south of Preston; track improvementsat Wembley,Camden,Carlisle, Wolverhamptonand Prestont;he installation of a largenew signalling gantry at Prestona; nd the replacementof a footbridge in Stockport.
Thework required numerousclosuresalong the WestCoastMain Line, forcingthe replacement of trainswith busesand the diversionof essential freight trainsto other routes,includingthe Midlandand EastCoast main lines.
Disrupted
BetweenMay25 and June4 andJune15-19, servicesinto LondonEuston were alsodisruptedas NR replacedoverheadline equipment components and life-expired25kVAC contactwireswith more than 2,000metresof new cable.
A £5.7millionproject is now underwayto replace the A530MiddlewichRoad bridge in CreweT. he bridge will bedemolishedand replacedby a new structure to modernstandardsby October.
Constructionof the new bridgewill start in August, necessitatingthe closureof the Creweto Chesterline betweenAugust15-23.
THECumbrian CoastLine was closedbetween June 20 and 29 to allow the replacementof wooden timbers and 600 metres of rail on the 18-spanEskmeals Viaduct.
The impressive1868-built structure carriesthe line over the RiverEskestuary between
HughDougherty.
The usual procedureshave been replacedby social distancing, protective gloves and sanitisingwipes for the token exchangecarrierhoops after use.
Ravenglassand Bootle.
Despitethe viaduct's exposedlocation, retains its original red sandstonepiers and wrought iron girders, which were strengthened and upgraded in the 1920s.
Engineerswill alsoupgrade walkwaysand handrailsacross the viaduct to makeaccesssafer for maintenancestaff.
Theviaduct is being repaired aspart of a programme to improve trackwork and eliminate speed restrictions on the route, reducingjourney times on this essentialrural lifeline.