Network Rail has announced that rail upgrades will take place at the end of July on the West Anglia Main Line to extend platforms and provide power for the Elizabeth line in preparation for its next stage of opening.

Throughout the work, a power upgrade will be carried out near Stratford to provide power for the Elizabeth line ahead of its next phase of opening, expected for autumn 2022.

The Elizabeth line’s next phase will integrate services from the east and west of London, connecting Shenfield to Paddington via the City of London and the West End. This connection integrates three railways and will enable services to run from Reading and Heathrow through to Abbey Wood.

A power upgrade at Pudding Mill Lane near Stratford will provide power for the Elizabeth Line services

© Network Rail

In addition, platforms on the West Anglia Main Line will be extended to accommodate 10-car trains. This change is designed to support the growing number of passengers using the rail services.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said:“This work is vital to upgrade the railway to support new, longer trains for West Anglia passengers and to support the next stage of the opening of the Elizabeth line which will revolutionise the way passengers travel across London. I'd like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these works.”

The upgrades will take place on Sunday 24 July. On this date, buses will replace trains on the Great Eastern main line between Ingatestone and Liverpool St and on the West Anglia Main Line between Bishops Stortford and Waltham Cross, as well as between Hertford East and Waltham Cross.