Reduced Delays Promised After Kew Railway Bridge Track Upgrade
Work was carried out during series of weekend closures
The new tracks on Kew Railway Bridge. Picture: Network Rail
October 10, 2024
Network Rail is promising a more reliable service on London Overground and District line trains that use Kew Railway Bridge after the completion of recent works.
It has now completed track upgradeon the Grade II listed bridge over the River Thames between Kew Gardens and Gunnersbury stations and says further work is planned to reduce delays on a line which has been plagued by problems.
Over four weekends in September and October, engineers replaced all of the bridge’s 577 wheel timbers, which are used to hold the rails in place over the bridge on both lines. Engineers also replaced worn-out rail at either end of the structure.
The old wheel timbers were over 25 years old and in poor condition, which means they were more likely to cause track faults which lead to delays for passengers.
Network Rail says the replacement wheel timbers are made from a more durable material so they last longer and need less maintenance.
Kew railway bridge carries both London Overground’s Richmond – Stratford line and the District line. It is located on an intensively used stretch of the railway that has seen an increase in disruption in recent weeks.
Equipment that is causing multiple problems has been identified and a plan has been put into action to carry out repairs. Work is underway to improve both the management of the train service and the speed at which infrastructure problems are resolved.
Kew Railway Bridge is 155 years old. Picture: Network Rail
At the same time as the works on Kew railway bridge, Network Rail took the chance to cut back vegetation along the line. Engineers also replaced points at Gunnersbury and completed a range of track works at Richmond, including replacing points, rails, wooden timbers and track circuit equipment.
Simon Milburn, Network Rail Anglia infrastructure director, said, “Replacing the deteriorating wheel timbers on Kew railway bridge will help us to keep this wonderful heritage structure operating as a key part of these busy railway lines. This was a vital job that really needed doing, and I’d like to thank London Overground and District line passengers for bearing with us while we delivered the project.”
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