The maintenance, carried out over four weekends in September and October, involved replacing all 577 wheel timbers that support the rails on both lines across the bridge. In addition, engineers replaced worn-out rail sections at both ends of the structure, ensuring the bridge remains safe and reliable for future train operations.
The project is a key part of Network Rail's ongoing efforts to maintain the infrastructure of historic rail assets while ensuring smooth and efficient service.
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The old wheel timbers were over 25 years old and in poor condition, which means they were more likely to cause track faults which lead to delays for passengers. The replacement wheel timbers are made from a more durable material so they last longer and need less maintenance.
Kew railway bridge carries both London Overground's Richmond – Stratford line and the District line. It is located on an intensively used stretch of the railway that has seen an increase in disruption in recent weeks, with Network Rail and Transport for London working together to drive down delays. Equipment that is causing multiple problems has been identified and a plan has been put into action to carry out repairs. Work is underway to improve both the management of the train service and the speed at which infrastructure problems are resolved.
At the same time as the works on Kew railway bridge, Network Rail took the chance to cut back vegetation along the line to help keep services running safely and reliably. Engineers also replaced points at Gunnersbury and completed a range of track works at Richmond, including replacing points, rails, wooden timbers and track circuit equipment.
