Rapid renewals on WCML

NETWORK RAIL performed three years’ worth of work upgrading drainage, track and signalling equipment along a seven-mile stretch of the West Coast Main Line in North London in just 11 days, completing the project on April 1.

The upgrades have included drainage improvements in the Victorian-built Kensal Green Tunnel to prevent delays from flooding during bad weather, major track renewals between Primrose Hill and Willesden Junction, installation of new signalling equipment, and the removal of graffiti and scrap metal from beside the railway.

Network Rail teamed up with train operators to close two out of four lines on the WCML while fewer passengers were travelling due to COVID-19. The amount of work would normally have taken three years of consecutive overnight weekend shifts to complete at a cost of around £19.8m. The fast approach over 11 days brought costs down to £6m, saving the taxpayer approximately £13.8m.