The first overhead wires of the Great Western Main Line electrification project have gone up near Reading.
Network Rail engineers began the installation on November 12 between Pangbourne and Tilehurst – the section which will be used by Hitachi to test its Class 800 Intercity Express trains.
A mile of earth wire was installed, becoming the first section of OLE to go up beyond the existing catenary at Airport Junction in Stockley, London.
It’s a positive milestone for a project under intense scrutiny. The electrification programme is facing a significant delay and last month chief executive Mark Carne admitted that the original £874 million cost was expected to more than triple.
Network Rail’s senior programme manager, Sinan Al-Jawad, said: “This is a great milestone in this vital project to improve the line for passengers.
“Electric trains are quieter, cleaner and faster and will offer more seats and better journeys for everyone. I would like to thank all those who were engaged in getting the first wire up.”
