The new track construction (NTC) train has reached Winslow’s new railway station, which marks the halfway point for track construction on Connection Stage 1 of East West Rail.
The overall stretch for this stage of East West Rail is 66km and, with 50 per cent of track still to be laid in the area, there’ll be more opportunities to catch a glimpse of the NTC train in action down the line.
Moving forward at pace
The NTC train, which is one of only two of its kind in the country, uses a rapid track laying system and works much faster than conventional methods. In fact, it carries enough railway sleepers to install up to 1.1km of track during each 10-hour shift.
To reduce any potential impact these works may have on local communities, the majority of equipment and supporting materials for track construction are delivered to site by rail. This has helped remove around 4,000 lorry journeys from local roads.
Jez Baldock, deputy director at East West Rail Alliance, said: “The East West Rail Alliance are really proud to have passed the halfway point for track construction on this stage of East West Rail, and as a result the project remains on target to meet its programme and facilitate a new railway service to Winslow.”
All infrastructure work on Connection Stage 1 is due to be completed by summer 2024.
Winslow’s new station
The new station being developed at Winslow is taking shape and is due to be completed later this year. Platform construction began a year ago, with more than 500 pre-cast concrete units being lifted into position within the new railway cutting before work could begin on the station building itself.
To find out more about this section of the East West Rail project, click here.
Photo credit: East West Rail Alliance/Phil Marsh
