Site visit 4th April

I am very grateful to Network Rail for showing me around the site today on what was one of the coldest April days I have ever known.  I have nothing but admiration for the construction workers  getting on with their various tasks on the exposed embankment and viaduct.  The project remains on schedule for June commissioning in around twelve weeks.

 First picture shows the line curving round to Hitchin East Junction.  I was correct that the line of black trunking was ducting for the signalling cables that also provides a slip resistant walkway for maintenance workers in the future.  It is certainly a lot more comfortable to walk on than ballasted track.  The gap in the ducting is to allow vehicle access via a temporary ramp against the embankment.

Next picture taken from the same spot looking the other way shows the embankment swinging round towards the industrial area, track nicely level and ballasted.  Just before the accommodation bridge is a platform for signalling cabinets.

 A closer look at the cabinet platform.  The supports are driven down into the chalk embankment.  It is quite an elaborate construction for two cabinets.  Note the cable conduits beneath that match the spurs off the main trunking.

 Adjacent to this, connections to the track that allow the control room to see where the train is.  The special link this side insolates the two sections of rail.

 Drainage work here is finished and work to return the area to its original state is underway.  The fence in the centre will be the permanent boundary with enough room for a maintenance vehicle to travel around the chord.

 Here are the stanchions for the overhead line equipment.   

 And the piles that will support them.  They look really substantial but they have to be as the stability of the overhead equipment is vital due to the high voltages involved.

 Moving to the end of the viaduct, there is an interesting feature here.  An expansion joint that will allow up to 100 mm of movement.

 The track was being tensioned and welded today.  This is a joint that had just been finished adjacent to the expansion joint.

 Looking back along the embankment from the same spot.

 Another cabinet platform being assembled.

This is the walkway that runs the length of the viaduct.  It will also be used for the cable ducting and will have a lid fitted for walking on.  It is actually wider than it looks.

 Another joint being prepared.  I believe the process is called alumino thermic welding.

 One the other side that had just been finished and awaiting fettling.

 A hand operated machine that clips the rail to the chairs.

 Now a look at Hitchin North Junction. The turnout here on to the chord doesn't look too bad as it is the main line that swings away here.  Just north of here was the point where the ECML and the former Bedford line, seen on the right, parted company.  Work was continuing to build up the ballast at the side of the junction.

 The teleloader was moving ballast from the heap behind and dropping it between the two re-positioned stanchions.

 A close up of the junction shows that there is still tamping and ballasting to do here. A further delivery of ballast is required to finish the job.

 A look at the start of the viaduct, fenced off to separate the working railway from the work site.

 And the walkway also blocked to warn anyone coming that way. I am grateful to my guide for taking these last few pictures from the side of the ECML.

 Looking down at the permanent access gate.  A cabinet has been installed since Easter.

 Last picture shows the route down to the River Hiz from the viaduct for drainage.  I usually take pictures from the other side of the fence.  Preliminary clearance work has started.