Track works planned at Bishops Stortford to improve reliability for West Anglia rail passengers

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Track renewals are planned from early 2022 to reduce delays and improve reliability of rail services for passengers travelling between London and Cambridge, Stansted and Kings Lynn.

Works will take place at Bishops Stortford during some weekends in January, February, March, April, May and June and passengers are advised to check how the work will affect their journeys.

Network Rail will carry out the following works:

  • Renewal of eleven points, the pieces of track that enable trains to change from one track to another
  • Over half a mile of track renewal
  • Re-timber and re-rail over two bridges
  • Platform works at Bishops Stortford station
  • Drainage works to keep the track bed in good condition

Track works like these are essential to prevent issues that cause delays. Just like road surfaces, track wears out from constant use from trains, even more so on busy main lines. Maintenance is carried out to keep the track in working order, but eventually a full replacement is required to prevent delays.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “We’re committed to improving reliability and driving down delays and cancellations for our passengers across the Anglia region. This work on the West Anglia Main Line is essential to keep the track in good condition and keep services running on time.”

Jamie Burles, Managing Director, Greater Anglia, said: “We have started to roll out new trains on the West Anglia route and this work will help improve punctuality and reliability along this very busy line. We would like to thank passengers for their patience while this work is carried out. We will make sure they can complete their journey, even if part of it is by rail replacement bus.”

Customers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey. E-scooters, e-bikes or full-size bikes cannot be transported on the rail replacement buses.

Photo credit: Network Rail

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