Work is well underway on the final stage of a major project to transform the track layout at London King’s Cross to make it more practical for trains and bring more reliable journeys for passengers
Network Rail‘s team at King’s Cross have already lifted the complex track, which was laid over 40 years ago. During the past two months, around 2,800 metres of track, which makes up the new, redesigned layout, have been installed.
A major milestone was reached last month when platforms 0-6 reopened and work began on platforms 7-11.
As well as improvements to the track, a tunnel just outside King’s Cross, which had been closed for 44 years, reopened – providing two additional tracks to allow more trains to run in and out of the station and reduce congestion.
No trains will run to or from London King’s Cross in the afternoon on Friday 4 June, and all day on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 June, to allow further improvements to be made to the signalling in and around King’s Cross.
During this time, vital work will also be carried out on a project to build a dive-under at Werrington, North of Peterborough, which will allow slower-moving freight trains to run underneath the East Coast Main Line.
Following the ‘big push’ back in January, when the 11,000-tonne railway tunnel was pushed into place, teams will be moving the tracks into their final position inside it. Once complete, this will bring faster, more reliable passenger services on the famous route.
A more reliable journey
Ed Akers, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail’s East Coast Upgrade, said: “Major progress is being made every day at King’s Cross as we complete work across the second half of the station and fast approach 7 June.
“Upgrading the track layout, as well as reopening Gasworks Tunnel, will allow more trains to enter and exit the station, reduce congestion and bring more reliable journeys.
“With just one three-day closure to go, we want to thank passengers for their continued patience throughout the project.”
Rail minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, added: “It’s fantastic to be reaching the end of the works for the King’s Cross remodelling project, and I want to thank passengers who have been so patient during this period of disruption.
“Completing these major works brings us one step closer to finishing our vital East Coast upgrade, which will deliver improved connectivity for long-distance passengers and more reliable journeys in the future.”
