NOVEMBER 2018 | MANE RAIL & INFRASTRUCTURE | 11
The next Network Rail control period (CP6) commences on 1 April 2019 and will run for five years until the end of March 2024. The budget of £47.9 billion will be used to make railways more reliable, more cost efficient, increase the capacity and ensure that Network Rail’s reputation as the safest railway in Europe continues
London’s £15bn Crossrail is to open nine months after its scheduled launch to allow more time for testing. The new route, to be known as the Elizabeth line was due to open in December 2018 but is experiencing a nine month delay with the opening not till autumn 2019.
One reason for the delay was due to having to integrate three different signalling systems, split between TFL, Crossrail and Network Rail.
However, despite the delay, experts such as Mr Flyvberg say that the Crossrail project has been more successful than most big infrastructure projects. Crossrail says the new line will connect Paddington to Canary Wharf in 17 minutes and increase central London rail capacity by 10%, something many London commuters will extremely appreciate.
Network Rail and UK Department for Transport initiated the Midland Main Line improvement in 2014 which included electrification of the line, remodelling the stations, upgrading bridges and tunnels and clearing lineside vegetation.
One section of the line between north of Bedford to Kettering and Corby is currently being electrified, which is expected to be completed by 2019. The electrification of the MMC located north of Kettering to Leicester, Derby/Nottingham and Sheffield is scheduled to be completed by 2023. Electrification is a vital aspect of Network Rail’s strategy to provide a safe, reliable and efficient railway, fit for the 21st century and beyond.
Between now and 2023 the MML will be electrified, have track and signals modernised, station platforms lengthened, bridges and tunnels remodelled and see new trains with more seating.