Acton Main Line Services May Improve - in 2017

Network Rail issues invitation to tender for scheme at AML

Network Rail has issued an invitation to tender for a scheme at Acton in west London that will improve the reliability of passenger services and deliver increased freight capacity.

When Crossrail services start in 2017, even more trains will travel along the Great Western main line (GWML) so work is needed to improve capacity in the area. The work will involve building a dive under (a crossing where the diverging line passes below the main line) at the west end of Acton Freight Yard and modifications to Acton Yard.

This will enable freight trains that head west along the GWML to leave the yard without affecting passenger trains and provide increased capacity for freight. The tender covers the design element of this work.

Robbie Burns, programme director, Network Rail, said: "Network Rail is transforming the railway to make Crossrail a success and this work at Acton will give passengers a more reliable service. It also supports our vision to increase the use of rail freight by taking lorries off the roads, reducing traffic congestion as well as carbon emissions."

Angie Bray, Conservative candidate for Ealing Central and Acton commented: "Obviously any improvements for passengers using this stretch of railway are welcome. 

"But I would like to have more detail on how this works programme will be rolled out and what its impact on services will be while the work is being carried out. 

She continued: "Also, it will be important to know if and how it may affect those living nearby.  I will certainly be asking questions about this as soon as I get an opportunity."

One regular user of the service said: "There is no provision at Acton Main Line for 'kiss and ride', buses and proper cycle storage. I do hope all these things will be in included in the plans for the improved railway."