Drone images and video show improvements to Watford’s train routes completed over the Easter weekend.
Network Rail says hundreds of its engineers, as well as those from its supply chain, worked “night and day” while the West Coast Main Line was blocked for much of the period.
Improvements include London Overground power supply upgrades between Watford and Euston, new switches and crossings at Kensal Green in North London, new track and ballast near Tring, embankment strengthening in Harlesden, drainage worked near Leighton Buzzard, and re-tensioning overhead lines at Euston.
This should solve some of the issues that can cause delays in each area, Network Rail said.
Network Rail Capital Delivery head of track, Brian Paynter, said: “We’ve invested millions of pounds to improve future journeys on the southern end of the West Coast Main Line this Easter, at a time of year when we know passenger numbers are lower so we can minimise disruption to one of the country’s most important rail routes.
Kensal Green - Engineers in a mobile elevated working platform (MEWP) inspecting overhead lines. (Image: Network Rail) “In the short term we know some passengers were disrupted and I’d like to thank them for their patience if their travel plans were affected over the bank holiday.
“In the long term though, our ongoing investments will see smoother and more reliable journeys and better facilities for passengers travelling to and from London Euston.”
Hemel Hempstead - Track renewal ballast being removed. (Image: Network Rail) Network Rail also used the opportunity to overhaul the Euston station concourse toilets while it was closed.
New cubicles were installed, as well as urinals, soap dispensers, replacing fixtures, and refreshing the décor along with a deep clean of all areas.
Tring - Drainage pipes being delivered. (Image: Network Rail) Signage was also upgraded to make it clearer and help passengers get around the station.
Further upgrade works will take place over the Early May Bank Holiday, from Saturday May 3 to Monday May 5.
Tring - Drainage being installed. (Image: Network Rail) Euston station will close again, with fewer trains running and rail replacements potentially replacing some services.
Planned improvements include track upgrades and embankment repairs between London Euston and Watford as well as drainage improvements between Watford and Leighton Buzzard.
Euston upgrades. (Image: Network Rail)
Upgraded Euston toilets. (Image: Network Rail)
Upgraded Euston toilets. (Image: Network Rail)
New signage at Euston. (Image: Network Rail)
Hemel Hempstead - Track renewal. (Image: Network Rail)
(Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green -Track panel being delivered. (Image: Network Rail)
Northampton- Gateway points onto main line. (Image: Network Rail)
Inside Kensal Green tunnel after track removed. (Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green - Drone shot showing extent of worksite. (Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green - CRSA staff on site. (Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green - Track bed removed. (Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green - Old ballast spoil being removed. (Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green - Tampers in and out of Kensal Green tunnel. (Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green - Overhead line inspections. (Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green - Aerial drone shot. (Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green - Old ballast spoil being removed. (Image: Network Rail)
Kensal Green - Ballast spoil on wagons awaiting removal. (Image: Network Rail)