The new track will provide much needed extra capacity on a congested section of the West Anglia main line, not only allowing more trains to run, but also reducing delays for passengers travelling between Cheshunt and Stratford. Due to complete in 2019, the scheme will unlock sites for housing development and act as a catalyst for regeneration in the London boroughs of Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest.

The track laying was delivered by VolkerFitzpatrick, overseen by Network Rail, and involved using two Kirow cranes to install over 3km of track over two weekends. Once the entire track is installed it will stretch for over 5.5km and will allow a service of three trains per hour during peak times between Stratford and Meridian Water.

Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “Successfully delivering this key milestone takes us a step closer to unlocking more capacity on the West Anglia main line and boosting economic growth in north London. The scheme is a great example of how improvements in rail and regeneration go hand-in-hand, with Enfield Council planning to deliver a £6 billion regeneration project, including 10,000 new homes and creating thousands of new jobs next to the new Meridian Water station.”

John Cox, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s rail division, said: “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail on this project, as part of the Anglia Route Collaboration. The VolkerFitzpatrick team worked safely and efficiently, over two weekends, to complete the track installation to a high standard. I am proud of their dedication and hard work, in delivering this key milestone.”

Representing a new model for funding, the Lee Valley Rail programme is funded by several third parties and public sector bodies, including the UK Government, the Mayor of London, the London Economic Action Partnership (now known as “LEAP”), Transport for London, and Enfield and Haringey Councils.

The funding partners and Network Rail are working together to deliver benefits in the north London corridor which will improve rail services and maximise economic growth, jobs and housing opportunities. The programme accommodates some of the proposed plans for Crossrail 2, including the active provision of a fourth platform at Meridian Water station.