Network Rail engineering work in London over Christmas and New Year

NETWORK Rail engineers will be working around the clock this Christmas and New Year on a multi-million pound upgrade of the London rail.

The £326 million project, which is funded by Transport for London (TfL), the Olympic Delivery Authority and Network Rail, has been fast-tracked to ensure completion before 2012 and is being carried out by Network Rail as part of plans to improve rail services in and around the capital.

From late Christmas Eve until the early hours of Monday January 4, Network Rail engineers will carry out a massive programme of improvements at locations across the capital, including:

* An additional interchange between high- and low-level platforms at Willesden Junction station

* Improving access at Highbury & Islington station

* Replacing Victorian sewers and drainage along the railway between in Islington

* A new staircase connecting the ticket office and the eastbound platform at Kensal Rise station

* Reconstructing a road bridge over the railway near Dalston Kingsland station

* Installing concrete foundations and new signal gantries at a number of locations

Once the upgrade is complete overground trains will run up to eight trains an hour during peak times on parts of the network, double the current number and with a more reliable timetable for those trains. New and longer platforms at some stations will also allow more carriages per train, which will increase capacity and reduce overcrowding.

Andrew Munden, Network Rail route director, said: "The investment being made on the London Overground network is an integral part of Network Rail's plans to improve services and build a bigger and better railway in the capital. The project will provide vital additional capacity for the Olympic Games and help meet growing demand on the line, which is expected to rise by a quarter in the next seven years."

On Christmas Day and Boxing Day no London Overground services will run. Between December 27 and January 3 the Richmond to Stratford line will be closed for improvement work, with amended services operating across the remainder of the Overground network.

Following this Christmas closure there will be further temporary closures of the Richmond to Stratford London Overground line as the project continues in 2010. This will allow Network Rail to carry out track, station and signalling improvement work.

Passengers are advised to check the TfL website for travel information during the festive period. Full service information is available at www.tfl.gov.uk or from London Travel Information on 0207 222 1234.