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Lea Valley 3rd track open

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Lea Valley 3rd track open - Posted: September 10, 2019 - 8:12 PM Quote and reply
Monday 9th september saw the new 3rd track from Lea Bridge to Meridian Water on the West Anglia main line (WAML) go live into passenger service. I was on board the first service 0546 Stratford to Meridian Water and return.
All services are formed by 2 x Class 317 EMU's
A new shuttle service operates from Stratford to meridian Water and return via Lea Bridge. This doubles the trains per hour between Tottenham Hale and Stratford from two to four. Before the closure of Lea Bridge in the 1980's it was down to 2 trains per day reportedly.

No fast times of any note due to fresh damp rails (had been drizzling) .
But Northbound services are not subject to waiting time at Coppermill junction and take around 3.5 mins from Lea Bridge to Tottenham Hale as opposed to around 7 to 10 mins currently - usually waiting for late Stansted/Cambridge trains to clear Coppermill Junction. the 3rd track bypasses Coppermill Junction running to the east side of the WAML
Drivers seem cautious still - apparently the rails are not bedded in yet despite no TSR's. And all the morning runs were being accompanied by a driver instructor between Lea Bridge and Meridian water.
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