UK infrastructure manager Network Rail has completed the installation of nearly 12km of new overhead wire between Shenfield and Wickford, as part of a £46m project to renew the overhead lines on the Southend Victoria branch line.

Network Rail is planning to replace a total 128km of overhead line along the whole line.

The renewal of the existing wiring system, which was built in the 1950s, is being carried out to improve reliability on the line, adapt to temperature and cut down delays for passengers.

Network Rail noted that, until now, its Team Orange has installed 220 structures destined to carry the new wires between Shenfield and Rayleigh.

“We have made huge progress on our upgrade of the Southend Victoria branch line, which will improve reliability and meet future passenger demand as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

The infrastructure manager added that 166 structures have been installed between Rayleigh and Southend, while the remaining 144 will be replaced over the next year.

Network Rail Anglia route managing director Meliha Duymaz said: “We have made huge progress on our upgrade of the Southend Victoria branch line, which will improve reliability and meet future passenger demand as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“When complete, this project and the introduction of the new trains will herald a complete transformation of the line from what it is today. We understand that the work affects journeys for those who are travelling late, and we thank passengers for their patience.”

Upon becoming operational in 2020, the line is expected to be more reliable and to enable more services to run.

The ongoing upgrade work has, however, led to a frequent disruption of train services and attracted public furore.

Greater Anglia managing director Jamie Burles said: “We’re sorry that customers’ journeys are inconvenienced by this engineering work. However, this work is necessary for the modernisation of the railway in East Anglia and will mean that our brand new trains, due to come into service from next year, will be able to run on a much more reliable set of overhead wires.

“By the end of 2020, when all of our new trains are in service, the Southend Victoria railway will have been transformed.”