NR finds savings on rail electrification

Network Rail has been reviewing its standards for electrification schemes and believes savings can be made to bridge reconstruction costs. Minutes of its March board meeting state: “Because of the high voltage testing work by the University of Southampton and Network Rail, in some circumstances physical height clearances could be significantly reduced. Initial studies suggested that many bridge reconstructions could be avoided in future electrification schemes, thereby reducing costs, programme duration, and disruption to railway neighbours and passengers.”