Infrastructure works around Bath described by Network Rail as the ‘single biggest track renewals project ever undertaken’ have been completed.
The six-week project to lower and replace more than 10 kilometres of track in and around Bath was being carried out to prepare for the electrification of the Great Western Main Line.
Completed over the August bank holiday, the £50 million project was twice the size of the previous record holder – a 37-day blockade at Nottingham in 2013.
Over the course of the six weeks, 23,000 new concrete sleepers were installed and 98,000 tonnes of ballast laid.
Says Andy Haynes, Network Rail’s project director for the west of England, ‘We always knew this was going to be a complex project given the historic architecture and infrastructure we were working around, but I’m pleased to say all work was completed on time.
‘Now this preparation work has been carried out, we will be able to install the overhead line equipment that will be used to power the new electric trains. These trains will provide passengers with more seats and faster journeys, while significantly reducing noise and pollution for those who live close to the railway line.’
