High Note for Allington Chord
29 Apr 2005
The new double line chord at Allington, Grantham is ready for track laying.
Long possessions over the Easter holiday enabled installation of both east and west junctions. Work began last April to construct the new double line section of railway. When combined with other improvements it will also increase capacity on the East Coast Main Line.
Dyan Crowther, Route Director, Network Rail said: “Allington Chord is a prime example of Network Rail’s commitment to improving Britain’s railway. The chord will ease a significant bottleneck, delivering benefits for both long distance and local services.”
Following the construction of the embankment over 50 miles of signalling and telecommunications cables have been laid in new and refurbished troughing over 8 route miles. The new signal box has been constructed and signal bases and posts have been installed.
Over the weekends before and after Easter, two new junctions were laid at either end of the chord. An 800 tonne crane was used to lift each of the thirteen panels in each layout.
With the chord due to be commissioned in October work continues apace: curved chord track panels will be installed from May. The signal box will be fitted out with the control panel and other equipment. The new upgraded level crossing will be installed and an existing rail over road bridge will be reconstructed.