Overhead electric power lines are being overhauled on the approach to London Euston station to reduce delays for passengers during hot weather.
Over the next four weeks, overnight work to renew and replace the 25,000v cables which power trains will take place in Camden.
During extremely hot weather, overhead wires can sag. The wires can then catch on passing trains and be torn down.
When this happens, the line must be closed for repairs, trains can become stranded and passengers are disrupted.
James Dean, Network Rail’s West Coast Main Line South route director, said: “With extremes in temperature now becoming more common in Britain it’s necessary for us to make sure our railway equipment can withstand the changing climate.
“This overnight work will help stop sagging of the cables, reducing the risk of them coming down and making the West Coast main line more reliable for tens of thousands of passengers travelling into Euston every day.”
The work on the approach to Euston will see the installation of 2,000 metres of new cable, renewal of essential overhead line equipment, and use of special on-track machines to ensure the new wires are at the correct tension.
Passengers are being advised there will be changes to some trains when the work takes place:
- Between 8pm and 8am on Monday 25 May – Friday 4 June (Monday to Friday only)
- Overnight on Thursday 4 June to Friday 5 June (passengers making essential journeys are advised not to travel after 9pm with some changes to services before 8am the following morning)
- Between 8pm and 8am on Monday 15 – Friday 19 June 2020
Gus Dunster, executive director of operations at Avanti West Coast, said: “As Network Rail carry out upgrade works on the overhead lines at Camden, there will be alterations to our weekday services to and from London Euston.
“On Monday to Friday, between 8pm and 8am, arrival and departure times at London Euston will change. On Thursday 4 June, there will be significant changes after 8pm – with some services starting from and terminating at Watford Junction.
“If customers are making an essential journey during this time, we strongly recommend they check before they travel, plan their journey in advance and make a reservation. For journeys on Thursday 4 June, we strongly advise travelling before 8pm.”
Passengers should continue following Government guidelines around the use of public transport.
People who need to travel should visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest information.
Photo credit: Network Rail
