Restoration efforts continue after fatal train crash near Bedford
One week on from the collision significant progress has been made on track and overhead renewals
One week on from the fatal train crash near Bedford, Network Rail say efforts to restore railway operations continue as workers complete full track renewal and progress on installing overhead lines.
The crash claimed the life of a train driver and injured 162 others.
Shaun Burton, 60, died after the East Midlands Railway (EMR) train he was driving passed a red signal near Elstow, Bedford, and collided with a stationary train.
Investigations from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) showed Burton’s train passed a red signal at 5.15pm and reduced its speed from 76mph to 49mph at the moment of impact.
Details on the alert Burton received from the onboard system, designed to warn drivers approaching a red light and trigger emergency brakes, remain unclear.
Network Rail say the recovery operation has involved complex procedures, with damaged trains being removed and railway rebuilding underway.
No re-opening date has been confirmed yet.
Initially, overhead wires had to be removed, a road to the site established, and concrete pads laid for crane operations.
In the last few days, teams have carried out a complete track renewal, moving into the next phase of overhead line installation.
Currently, one wire run has been completed, with the second wire run in progress.
East Midlands route director Mark Budden highlighted the challenging conditions, saying, "The more tricky part is tonight when we carry out the more delicate, intricate work which needs the heat to die down.
"We're currently experiencing thirty-five degrees of heat and that work can only be carried out when it gets cooler.
"We know how disruptive this has been, and we're sorry for the continued disruption this is causing passengers, but we're making great progress rebuilding the railway to get the railway back safely and as quickly as possible."