A series of rail improvements and preparation work for the construction of the new Cambridge South station is being carried out by Network Rail. The work began on Saturday, May 27.
The aim of the project is to create access to a growing area of high-quality employment and alleviate congestion through the promotion of environmentally sustainable transport in Cambridge.
The £184 million station will be located near the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, connecting it to key destinations such as London, London Stansted Airport, Ely, Birmingham, and Europe.
Simultaneously, Network Rail will continue the major re-signalling renewal program around the Cambridge area. This Cambridge South station project aims to introduce state-of-the-art signalling technology, enhancing reliability, reducing maintenance needs, and preparing the infrastructure for future digital technologies like the European Train Control System.
Apart from Cambridge South Station, Spring Bank Holiday sees various projects across the rail network
The Spring Bank Holiday period will also see other significant works taking place across the rail network. The c2c line between Upminster and Grays will be closed on Sunday, May 28, and Monday, May 29, for track and maintenance work.
Engineers will replace two sets of switches and crossings and 300m of track at Rochester Bridge Junction, as well as renew ballast, sleepers, and rails along the line between Meopham, Gillingham, Gravesend, and Maidstone West.
On Sunday, track maintenance and repairs in South East London will lead to the closure of the railway lines into London Waterloo East and London Charing Cross. Additionally, the railway line between Woking and Winchester, as well as Basingstoke and Andover, will be closed to facilitate track work.
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These efforts involve the removal of “wet beds” – sections of track with excessive moisture that causes uneven rides. Engineers will also conduct routine maintenance to improve the overall reliability of the railway and test newly installed equipment. These activities are part of an eight-week program to enhance smooth and reliable journeys on the South West Main Line in the Basingstoke area.
In other locations from Cambridge South station, the line between Hounslow and Virginia Water, as well as Windsor & Eton Riverside to Staines, will be closed on Sunday and Monday for the renewal of approximately 90m of track.
Furthermore, a reduced service will operate between Sheffield and London for 16 days as drainage systems are upgraded, sleepers are replaced, and ballast work is conducted in the Clay Cross tunnel. Special rail coatings will also be applied beneath tunnel shafts to enhance weather resistance, including at Milford tunnel in Derbyshire.
