Bakerloo and Overground to have fewer delays after work

Network Rail has released drone images of the upgrades made on the 16-mile stretch of railway in north London, which it says will mean fewer delays and smoother journeys in the long run.

Between August 3 and Thursday (August 8), the Bakerloo line was closed between Queen’s Park and Harrow & Wealdstone and the Overground was shut between Euston and Watford Junction.

Work at the Euston to Watford line (Image: Network Rail)

The work involved renewing the power system that supplies signalling by installing 32.5km of new cables.

The conductor rail, high voltage power system and track switches were also upgraded.

Network Rail said the lines had “life-expired equipment” that was prone to failure.

Which stations were impacted?

Bakerloo line stations affected were Queen’s Park, Kensal Green, Willesden Junction, Harlesden, Stonebridge Park, Wembley Central, North Wembley, South Kenton, Kenton and Harrow & Wealdstone.

Overground stations impacted were the following: Euston, South Hampstead, Kilburn High Road, Queen’s Park, Kensal Green, Willesden Junction, Harlesden, Stonebridge Park, Wembley Central, North Wembley, South Kenton, Kenton, Harrow & Wealdstone, Headstone Lane, Hatch End, Carpenders Park, Bushey, Watford High Street and Watford Junction.

‘Normal service has resumed’

Gary Walsh, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said: “I would like to thank passengers for their patience throughout this work which is vital for the continued safe and reliable running of the railway from Euston to Watford.

"Normal service has now resumed and the work that has been completed will ensure more reliable journeys for passengers travelling on the route in future.”

Rory O’Neill, TfL’s general manager for London Overground, said: ‘I’d like to thank London Overground and Bakerloo line customers for their patience while Network Rail completed this essential upgrade work.

“We understand that closures of this type can cause inconvenience for some of our customers but they are vital to ensure that we can continue to offer a safe and reliable service for many years to come.”