The Thameslink Resilience Programme
To ensure a smooth introduction of the new Thameslink services, Network Rail delivered a programme to boost the resilience and reliability of the railway along the Brighton Main Line and other key routes both north and south of the Thameslink ‘core’ through central London.
Using a data-driven approach, Network Rail targeted areas where the most significant asset-related delays were originating, turning delay hotspots into more resilient infrastructure.
Work included:
- Replacing tracks and signalling and renewing key junctions
- Improving security by the railway to help prevent trespass
- Improving drainage in Victorian tunnels to prevent water damage to electrical equipment
- Shoring up cuttings and embankments to reduce the risk of landslides.
Network Rail created a series of work packages which would bring together all necessary asset improvement works required on each section of railway so they could be delivered within an integrated programme. This ‘go there once’ approach meant funds were spent in the most cost-effective way and minimised overall disruption to passengers.