Fewer delays for train passengers after major works completed

Trains will travel faster through key South London routes after Network Rail completed a major programme of works over the weekend.

Upgrades included rebuilding the junction at Battersea, installing a new signalling system at Lewisham and new track on the Bromley North branch line.

The works will allow more trains to run, increasing the speed that trains can travel at and improving reliability to reduce delays for passengers.

Speaking for the Southeastern-Network Rail Alliance, David Davidson, Network Rail’s Kent route director, said: “I want to thank our customers for their patience while we’ve worked to modernise track, signalling, stations, structures and earthworks, helping to keep people moving for decades to come.”

At Battersea Pier, engineers replaced 600 metres of track, installed 1,200 metres of new conductor rail and approximately 6,000 metres of signalling and telecommunications cable.

Work was also undertaken before and after the Easter weekend at Battersea Pier, with further work set to take place on May 3 and 4.

Engineering work in Lewisham saw all signalling equipment on the lines running through Lewisham, from New Cross to Blackheath and Hither Green, replaced.

And a four-day closure between Grove Park, Sundridge Park and Bromley North allowed engineers to refurbish the track, installing 1,728 metres of new rail.

Pictured top: Parks Bridge Junction in Lewisham during Easter Holiday works (Picture: Network Rail)