What work is being done?
Network Rail is renewing the track, overhead wires and signalling on the approach to London King’s Cross station, as well as building a new tunnel, located just North of Peterborough, to remove constraints to the timetable caused by slower freight trains crossing over the high-speed East Coast lines at Werrington Junction.
The next major stage of the upgrade includes replacing tracks and a track layout which is nearly 50 years old on the 1.5-mile approach into King’s Cross. Once complete, it will help improve reliability and punctuality and will ensure the route has the capacity to deal with future passenger volumes.
In addition, the track is being re-laid in a new layout – improving journeys in and out of King’s Cross. A disused tunnel is being reopened allowing for six tracks into the station instead of the current four.
The signalling system from King’s Cross to Peterborough is being transferred from the King’s Cross Signal Box to the Railway Operating Centre in York as part of Network Rail’s nationwide re-signalling programme. This will allow for the signal box at King’s Cross to be demolished, opening up space for the tracks into the re-opened tunnel.
You can find out more on the project website at www.EastCoastUpgrade.co.uk