Wednesday 26 Jul 2017
Gospel Oak to Barking electrification works to be complete in time for arrival of new double- length electric trains
- Region & Route:
- Eastern: Anglia
- | Eastern
Network Rail today set out the plan for delivering the remaining electrification of the Gospel Oak to Barking line ahead of the introduction of new trains from spring 2018.
The electrification installation will be completed in January 2018, enabling testing of the new electric trains and driver training to begin, with trains to start entering passenger service from spring 2018. Current diesel services will continue to run as normal until replaced by new double-length trains.
Weekend closures will take place from Saturday 29 July to Sunday 10 September. Discussions are ongoing with TfL, train and freight operators to finalise agreements for additional weekend closures this autumn, and two longer closures required to complete electrification. The longer closures are proposed to be from Sunday 17 September until Sunday 22 October, and from Monday 27 November until Sunday 14 January 2018. These dates could be subject to change. Details will be confirmed nearer the time.
Rail replacement buses will be provided. Regular users of the Gospel Oak to Barking line will continue to be automatically refunded the additional cost of travel made by Tube or rail.
Meliha Duymaz, route managing director said: "The Gospel Oak to Barking line is set to benefit from a transformational upgrade with better services provided by a new fleet of longer electric trains, doubling the current capacity.
“This project has not been without its difficulties and we’d like to apologise for the continued disruption and thank both passengers and neighbours for their patience while we finish our work.
“We still have a lot to do but with a new team in place to finish off the project, I’m confident that the immense benefits of this once-in-a-lifetime investment will be realised in the months ahead, and the benefits enjoyed for years to come.”
Passengers should check before they travel and plan their journey in advance at tfl.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
Notes to editors:
During the closures Network Rail will carry out work to install structures and overhead wires to complete electrification of the route and allow for longer, more spacious, cleaner and quieter trains to run from spring 2018.
The confirmed upcoming closures will consist of five full weekend closures and two weekends where a part closure is required. Closure details below:
* Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July
* Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August
* Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August
* Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August
* Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 (South Tottenham to Barking closed from start of Saturday, full line closure from 19:00 on Saturday until 15:30 on Sunday)
* Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September
* Saturday 9 and until 15:30 on Sunday 10 September
Travel advice
Passengers should check before they travel and plan their journey in advance.
Replacement buses will operate when the line is closed as follows:
* Service T: Walthamstow Central - Leyton Midland Road - Leytonstone High Road - Wanstead Park - Woodgrange Park - East Ham- Barking. Buses every 20 minutes
* Service J: Gospel Oak - Upper Holloway - Crouch Hill - Finsbury Park - Harringay Green Lanes - Seven Sisters (for South Tottenham). Buses every 30 minutes
There is no replacement bus service between South Tottenham and Walthamstow Queen's Road stations and customers are advised to use the Victoria line which is a faster alternative.
Sign up for email updates at tfl.gov.uk/emailupdates
Railway neighbours who would like more information on how the work will impact their home can call Network Rail's helpline on 0345 7 11 41 41 or visit www.networkrail.co.uk/contactus
More information on work carried out by Network Rail on this route can also be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/gobe
For Network Rail updates on this project follow @NetworkRailGOBE on Twitter
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Network Rail press office - Katie Mack
Media relations manager (Anglia route)
0330 8577 132
Katie.Mack@networkrail.co.uk
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