Over the Easter weekend, Network Rail and its supply chain partners successfully completed a diverse programme of work valued at approximately £86.6 million, across 1,190 possessions nationwide.
Major infrastructure renewals and upgrades were delivered across the country, including both asset renewal and enhancement schemes aimed at supporting future network improvements. Of these, 16 projects were classified as RED under the Delivering Work Within Possessions (DWWP) standard, indicating a higher risk of overrun and/or a greater potential impact in the event of delays.
The following pages highlight the tremendous effort and dedication shown by all those involved.
Eastern Region
Brickhouse S&C abandonment: Network Rail tasked the South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA) with recovering the points at Brickhouse Crossover and replacing them with plain line track over two consecutive weekends. This possession facilitated the decommissioning and removal of the disused Brickhouse Crossover, made redundant by the enhanced operational capacity at the new Beaulieu Park station.
During the third weekend, the team experienced delays in achieving key milestones after the worksite was handed over approximately an hour later than scheduled. This was due to a signaller routing error. Further delays arose as the fine lining of sleepers took longer than expected. These issues were documented in the duty manager’s report and milestone times were revised accordingly to reflect the on-site conditions. Despite the delays, there were no concerns about meeting the scheduled handback, as the team was confident in recovering lost time during top stoning and tamping operations — a goal they successfully achieved. All planned works were completed, and the site was handed back on time with no outstanding issues.
Mirfield Station & Westcad data change: As part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), significant works were undertaken at Mirfield Station to enable the commissioning of a new station concourse and temporary Platform 1. The project included a Category 6 renewal of 748 metres of track, along with the slewing of the Down Slow line to a temporary position. A 170-metre formation dig was carried out at either end to facilitate tie-ins. Other works included the installation of station hoarding, signage, lighting, and the removal and replacement of Station Information and Security Systems (SISS) and telecommunication systems.
Signalling enhancements featured a TS11 Westcad data change, Westcad screen amendments, the installation of new signal HM563 and a banner repeater, and the relocation of the Automatic Warning System (AWS). Additionally, a Coach-Based Automatic Selective Door Opening (CASDO) system was installed on the new platform. These upgrades facilitate the demolition of the old island platform and allow for the continued construction of the new island platform behind hoarding, ahead of the full station opening at Christmas.
North West & Central Region
Northampton Gateway SRFI: Northampton Gateway Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) is a third-party funded project for the client Segro PLC, including associated track, signalling, electrification and plant, Overhead Line Equipment (OLE), earthworks and drainage, civils and telecoms enhancement, and new works. The scheme will renew the signalling equipment controlled by the Rugby Signalling Control Centre (SCC), Northampton Panel. It will also see the introduction of a new sidings depot accessed via two new crossovers located on the Hanslope Northampton and Rugby Line (HNR). When at full capacity, the depot will handle 16 trains per day, supporting the Network Rail strategy for freight growth.
The project was commissioned over weekends 3 and 4, bringing into use previously installed infrastructure. The project included 22 new AZLM axle counters, signals and points on the HNR Lines; installation of telecoms infrastructure; Rugby SCC Northampton panel data change and VDU updates; a Solid State Interlocking (SSI) Data Change; and the introduction of new depot sidings and the interface between the SSI data and the Tiefenbach data system to control the new signalling system within the depot.
Pitstone Drainage renewal: 196 yards of drainage was installed in the six foot between the fast lines of the London Euston to Rugby Trent Valley Junction line (LEC1) over a 29-hour possession. This included 182 metres of new drainage pipes and five concrete catch pits surrounded by new ballast and pea shingle. The site was then tamped to ensure consolidation of the track before reopening to the passage of trains.
This was the second of two weekends of work on this renewal which will improve the drainage around the crucial fast lines in this busy section of railway. The improved drainage will increase the longevity and performance of the track going forward. The team will revisit over weekend 6 when 200 yards of drainage will be installed on the slow lines.
During the works, four machines at Cheddington Station were broken into and lifting chains, hooks and around 3,000 litres of diesel were stolen. This delayed Road Rail Access Point (RRAP) installation and drainage works until attachments could be replaced. Despite this, all planned works were completed with a comfortable right time linespeed handback.
Mossband track renewal: This project was based around a conventional renewal with a track stand-down period to allow the subcontractor to complete waterproofing works. The scope included a Category 11 rerail, resleeper, and reballast operation, covering a total renewal length of 0.43km. The works were successfully delivered within a 51-hour possession of the West Coast Main Line over the Esk Viaduct. During this time, ballast, sleepers, and rail were replaced on the Up line between 6 miles 894yds and 6 miles 1360yds – a total of 466 yards. Waterproofing was completed on the bridge deck between 6 miles 948yds and 6 miles 1271yds, covering 323 yards. One minor incident occurred when a Road Rail Vehicle (RRV) accidentally knocked over a tripod, which struck a staff member causing an injury to their nose.
Red Lion Bridge track renewal: This work saw a 400 yard Cat 14 (Rerail, Resleeper, Reballast, Formation) renewal on the busy LEC1 Up Fast line over a 31-hour possession. The works strategically targeted ongoing asset condition issues to enhance performance on this key route.
All planned Cat 14 renewal works were completed with a right time handback. The site was fully welded and the 60mph Temporary Speed Restriction (TSR) handback was achieved.
Kensal Green S&C Renewal: This project involved the formation renewal of NR60 Mk1 C Crossover 2324A&B and Turnout 2325A, incorporating High Performance Switch System (HPSS) Mark 2 Point Operating Equipment (POE). Additionally, 250 metres of new plain line were installed, and heavy refurbishment was carried out on Turnout 2325B, including the installation of a new full set of switches and conversion to HPSS Mark 2 POE.
All works were completed as planned, with no accidents or incidents recorded during on-track activities. The site was fully welded, stressed throughout, and successfully handed back at the full line speed of 75mph. One off-track incident occurred during the unloading of speed boards from a van, resulting in a minor eye injury to a member of staff. This did not result in any lost time and has been noted as a lesson for future manual handling practices.
Greek Street Overbridge Replacement: The Easter workscope served as a critical enabler for the upcoming August Bank Holiday works, which will involve the removal and replacement of the Greek Street Overbridge – a 53 metre by 27 metre twin-span structure supporting a major roundabout in Stockport. The primary aim of these preparatory works was to facilitate the future bridge replacement, as the existing structure has reached the end of its service life.
Key activities completed during the four-day blockade included upgrading the overhead electrification system; saw cuts at all four corners of the wing wall and breakdown; deconstruction of the bridge including road parapet removal; and 80 core drillings to a depth of three metres on the abutments.
While the main scope was successfully delivered on time, no opportunity works were completed during this phase.
Southern Region
The Battersea Pier S&C renewal: This work addressed a life-expired layout comprising points 725, 726A/B, 727, 729A/B, and 730, where deteriorating components necessitated a full renewal. The layout was renewed like-for-like with a POE upgrade to In-Bearer Clamp Lock (IBCL) as well as retaining HW2121’s for two point ends. The layout was installed in panel form and due to be fully welded together with Modular tie plates with long bearers under the associated crossing within the modular tie area. Interfacing with structures, part of the layout was installed with Delkor Basle plates on composite sleepers to aid the stiffness transition on and off the structure (Spicers Wharf bridge).
Some challenges were encountered, including public interface concerns due to track materials passing debris netting on Spicers Wharf bridge, misalignment between the lead times for bespoke Delkor base plates and the design programme, and cable management issues on site caused by space constraints.
Bromley Branch Track Renewal: Works Delivery London Bridge successfully completed a 38-chain track renewal of all three main track components (sleepers, rail and ballast), during a 72-hour Easter blockade between Grove Park and Bromley North. The works included the full renewal of all track components within the worksite limits; the installation of new sleepers, rails, ballast and breathers at the London end of the site; and the full tamping of the renewal length to restore geometry and ensure compliance with alignment and ride quality standards.
All works were delivered on time, safely, and to the specified quality standards.
Wales & Western Region
Acton East S&C Renewal: The project at Acton East Junction involved a Cat 71 full renewal of six point ends (8120 A&B, 8121 A&B, and 8122 A&B) with HPSS Mark 2 Point Operating Equipment (POE). The scope also included associated OLE adjustments and the relocation of signal SN6131 to accommodate an enhanced track layout.
The renewal supports the Poplars Electrification scheme through improved track alignment. All planned track renewal works were successfully completed, with points 8122 A&B installed and commissioned, alongside the completion of signalling and OLE modifications. However, testing and commissioning for points 8120 A&B and 8121 A&B were not completed during the initial possession. Access was later granted for Midweek 6 for Week 4 to complete these outstanding tasks.
The possession overran by two hours and 42 minutes (handback at 07:42 vs planned 05:00). The signalling design at Acton East was found to be incorrect and this is being reviewed as a matter of urgency by the Programme Engineering team. This is a priority area of focus and has been escalated for response within senior levels of the South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA) and the wider AECOM organisation. There are also improvements being implemented in respect of DWWP compliance and overall deliverability readiness.
Old Oak Common HS2 Station Works: This project involved a range of OLE, signalling, and E&P works to support increased rail traffic capacity into Old Oak Common station and the future HS2 route. Key OLE activities included sealing-end changeovers and recoveries, installation of Auto Transformer Feeder (ATF) cables to the new J05/34A position, cable jointing, pressure testing, and section proving. In the S&T scope, a new foundation for signal SN171 was constructed using two six-foot auger concrete piles, alongside the installation of 140 metres of linear drainage in 30-metre sections. The signalling and E&P works included the installation of a new Up Relief Cess Functional Supply Point (FSP) cable, limited to cable pulling with no terminations. A new signalling trough route was also installed at the western end of the site. In addition, mast and boom installations were planned on the retaining wall structure at the Down Poplars Cess / Up Relief Cess location.
All HS2 planned works were successfully completed except for the mast and boom installation, which was deferred due to the overrun of the Acton East S&C renewal. Lessons learned are to be linked with the Acton overrun review.
Performance and handbacks
Of the planned 1,190 network-wide possessions that took place between 18 and 21 April, 17 service-impacting possession overrun incidents occurred. The most significant possession overrun involved a Capital Delivery S&C track renewal at Acton East Junction, where issues were encountered with the initial dig followed by further signal testing issues. This resulted in 5,267 minutes of delay to passengers of 14 train operators and three freight operators.
However, given that the total number of possession overrun delay minutes incurred was 6,160 minutes across 17 incidents, and the total number of booked possessions (at T-0) across the wider business was 1,190, this represents a successful possession handback rate of 98.6% – only slightly below the regularly-achieved 99% right time handback rate.
Safety
Over the Easter weekend, there were a total of two reported incidents, both of which were accidents. Neither was classified as a lost time injury.
Both accidents occurred on worksites delivering a major ‘red-ranked’ scheme. The accidents took place at Mossband Track Renewal and Kensal Green S&C renewal.
Thank you
The dedication shown by staff working over Easter to improve the safety and reliability of the network is a testament to the professionalism of the entire rail industry. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who gave up their time during the holiday period.
Image credit: Network Rail
