Bayswater Junction
Construction update
During two 56-hour shutdowns in February and March 2021 the final shift of the Midland Line tracks was completed, and the new section of the alignment commissioned. These tracks are now located in their permanent locations just south of their original location, following temporary relocation in December 2017 to make room for the construction of the Bayswater Junction dive structure.
A further 76-hour shutdown took place on 11 February to 14 February to tie in rail systems (e.g. signalling, communications). A 800m-long section of the overhead line equipment at Bayswater Junction is now live and officially part of the rail network.
The western end of the principal shared path (PSP) has been handed over to the New Bayswater Station project. Works have begun to build a retaining wall as part of the track alignment for the new station. The new PSP along Whatley Crescent will need to remain closed while these works take place.
At the eastern end of the site, the 25kV Track Sectioning Cabin has been connected to the overhead power supply infrastructure within the dive structure. Located next to the Bayswater tunnel portal building, automated switches within the cabin control the 'neutral zone', a non-electrified section between the Airport and Midland lines.
Works are also wrapping up in and around the portal building, with earthworks and drainage installation underway on the outside and commissioning activities in the lead up to the final energisation ongoing on the inside.
Demobilisation works are now underway, with equipment and materials being removed from site and concrete slabs broken up where plant and offices once stood.