Network Rail has announced that the biggest upgrade in nearly 40 years to the railway in the Guildford area has reached the mid-way point.

Guildford junction was last upgraded almost 40 years ago – since then, demand has risen significantly.

The upgrades will provide a more reliable railway for trains between London Waterloo and Guildford, Woking and Portsmouth, Reading and Redhill, and Guildford and Aldershot.

These improvements should also help to enable the removal of two existing speed restrictions which is positive news for passengers.

As well as the track and signalling work, engineers regraded the embankment at St. Catherine’s tunnel.

At the midpoint of the project, Network Rail teams have already:

• Renewed 1,200 metres of conductor rail on the Guildford to Clandon lines designed to be operational for up to 100 years.
• Renewed 1,500 metres of the track on the lines from Guildford to Wanborough (North Downs line) and Worplesdon (Portsmouth direct line)
• Upgraded 41 track circuits to improve the signalling system for Guildford station

During the remainder of the works, the team will install new wheel timbers (which make part of the surface for the track to sit on when it crosses older bridges), reconnect signalling equipment, and ensure the track is level and aligned.

The work delivered up to now has enabled a limited service to London Waterloo to resume on Tuesday 14 April with buses continuing to replace trains on most other routes through the Guildford area. Services on all lines recommence on Monday 20 April.

What did the officials say?

Mark Killick, Route Director for Network Rail Wessex, said:

“We are at the midpoint of the project to deliver the biggest rail improvement programme in the last 40 years in the Guildford area and I’d like to thank those making essential journeys for their patience while we carry out these works.

“Teams have worked incredibly hard and have made good progress; we have passed several significant milestones in the project that will deliver a more reliable railway now and for generations to come.”

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