The brass bands play and the feet start to pound: Victoria Line Disruption Update

Many local residents have shared their concerns with me about the weekend closures of the Victoria Line underground service during August. I recently asked London Underground for an update and this was their response:

"New trains and signalling in particular require extensive testing - it would not be possible to complete the programme in any sensible timeframe without closures. Already more than 90% of the Victoria line track has been renewed, 550km of cabling has been installed and 90% of the new signaling equipment has been installed. This means we will be able to run more trains closer together - undoubtedly vital during busy periods. At present, we are using a signaling system that was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. During these closures, we also test the new rolling stock. The new trains have been tested over a distance of 4,700 km on the line. The first new train went into passenger service last week. The new train will run, initially, towards the very end of the day, several nights per week. It will then gradually operate for more hours of the day over the coming weeks and months. By 2012 when the Victoria line upgrade is complete, 47 new trains will be in service, featuring in-carriage CCTV, improved wheelchair access, wider aisles and doors, better ventilation, and improved visual and audio customer information systems. The project made optimum use of the late evening closures last year, and there hasn't been the need for more of those this year. LU does however have weekend closures to enable the upgrade. "

If you want to receive updates from me as to any further disruption to the service please get in touch.