Passengers and freight customers in West London are now benefitting from a safer and more reliable railway following the completion of essential upgrade works at Mitre Bridge level crossing. The project, carried out during the October half-term when passenger numbers are lower, included the renewal of rail, sleepers, drainage systems, and signalling equipment on this key section between Clapham Junction and Willesden Junction.

After a four-day closure, Network Rail reopened the crossing on Wednesday 29 October, removing a longstanding speed restriction and allowing trains to operate more smoothly and efficiently. The site posed unique challenges, being a short stretch of track constrained by multiple sets of switches and crossings, which are vital for trains moving between tracks. The crossing had reached the end of its design life, and the upgrades will ensure continued access for heavy goods vehicles to the busy Willesden industrial estate while supporting safe operations for both passenger and freight services.

Neil O’Toole, Senior Programme Manager at Network Rail, said: “I’d like to thank passengers, freight customers, local businesses and local residents for their patience while we carried out this important work to keep Mitre Bridge level crossing safe and reliable for rail and road users. This upgrade not only improves safety but also helps us deliver better journeys by removing a speed restriction and future-proofing this vital piece of railway.”

A spokesperson for Southern added: “These engineering works are vital to the safe and reliable running of our services between Watford Junction and East Croydon. We recognise there is no good time for the railway to close, and we'd like to thank passengers for their patience while these works were carried out by our colleagues at Network Rail.”

Additional work during the closure included the renewal of 2,000 metres of high-voltage power cables between Clapham Junction and West Brompton, supporting communication and signalling systems, and the upgrade of track switches and crossings at Kensington Olympia to maintain operational efficiency.

Image: Network Rail