Map courtesy of Network Rail
In 2009, we described how Network Rail planned to debottleneck the ECML at Hitchin by building a flyover from the Down Slow to the Down Cambridge at Cambridge Junction. This, together with the chord at Saint Pancras and works at Finsbury Park and Hornsey are integral to the projection of Thameslink services to Cambridge.
The main over-bridge structure was completed by June 2012 and the revised North Junction at Christmas. The project is on schedule to finish by the summer in good time for the start of the December 2013 timetable change. Originally posited at £55m, the link should weigh in at a creditable £47m.
Our chum Steam60163, clad no doubt in his best wellies and wind-proof, has been following the transformation process through the years. Readers who regard Rigger boots and hard hats as high fashion will find his collection here.
Balfour Beatty’s track-laying train, in action, crossing the chord’s summit. The ECML can just be glimpsed under the arch.
The tracklayer is standing near the country (Royston) end of the alignment with the existing route via Hitchin’s Cambridge Junction converging on the left.
As ever our thanks and copyright acknowledgements go to Alasdair for the use of his pictures.
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