NORWOOD JUNCTION REFURBISHMENT NEARS COMPLETION

Norwood Junction can join a growing list of stations on our network, such as Chingford, Hackney Central and White Hart Lane, that have undergone improvements to create a better environment and more pleasing experience for our colleagues and customers.

When Network Rail took possession of the tracks on our East London Line for weekend engineering works at the start of March, it was an opportunity that couldn’t be missed to make some much needed improvements in and around Norwood Junction station.

Renowned over the years for receiving a high volume of KPI penalty light failures – due in part to electrics and wiring – switching to LED lighting was a top priority. However, the refurbishment also included specialist deep cleaning with drainage and guttering clearance, station re-painting, fabric repair, trackside vegetation and arboriculture reductions.

Regarding the station's improvements, infrastructure contracts manager, Mayur Patel, said: "I'm pleased with the upgrades made to Norwood Junction station, and I’m delighted our colleagues and customers are happy with what we've been able to achieve so far.

"Improvements to the customer-facing areas have really helped bring such a busy station to life again and follow work conducted on the customers’ toilets 18 months ago. We hope this project is evidence of our commitment to invest in our network to enhance the experience of our people."

The most significant upgrade to the station was a switch to LED lighting, which brightens all platforms and improves safety and security for customers and colleagues alike, as well as arriving and departing trains.

Lighting work was also completed on the wiring and lighting pass, which had exceeded the 25 years since its installation date. This was much-needed due to an impending challenge on the horizon due to a ban on the manufacturing of fluorescent and halogen bulbs from August, meaning that these costs could double by the end of summer.

As a result of this refurbishment, Norwood Junction should now have minimal to no light fitting failures over the next three to five years, and fewer possession and isolation costs.

Customer experience improvement manager, Halima Miah, said: “Norwood Junction is a great example of how we can improve our customers’ experience and make them feel safer through better lighting. However, upgrading to LED lighting doesn’t just improve aesthetics, it also makes us more environmentally sustainable.

“As we are measured against KPIs by RfL, we are encouraged to think creatively about how to improve our assets and we hope these upgrades will lead to fewer failures.”

The planning phase of the project launched the end of summer last year, followed by engagement with ARL's suppliers to establish what could be achieved. It is anticipated that works will be completed at the start of April 2023.

This is a fantastic example of how our teams can come together to deliver impactful projects to improve the experience for colleagues and customers.

Scroll down to see the new and improved Norwood Junction station.