This morning Tuesday 29th May the weekend engineering works at Camden on the Northern line over ran causing a part line suspension for many hours. I therefore request the following information as an FOI: 1. What information does TfL have as to why the engineering works over ran? 2. What information does TfL have about the project plans (top level) for the weekend works? 3. What information does TfL have about what time over the weekend the works team realised that the works were going to over run? 4. What information does TfL have about what steps and processes were used over the weekend to prevent, to be aware and to recover from any over run? 5. What information does TfL have about what steps are being taken to avoid future overruns?

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Our ref: FOI-0518-1819/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 29 May 2018 asking what information is held about the over run of the engineering works at Camden on the Northern line.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

1. What information does TfL have as to why the engineering works over ran?

    

    

   The works undertaken at Camden that weekend were to renew a concreted track junction on the Northern Line.  These are highly complex works and TfL continues to develop its methodologies to safely deliver them whilst minimising the impact on the travelling public. 

    

    

    

   Following the overrun on 29th May, we are conducting a full and comprehensive investigation. The investigation is not yet concluded however the initial findings suggest that, as is common in these circumstances, a combination of small incidents resulted in a cumulative delay to the works programme and, in turn a late finish to the works. 

    

    

2. What information does TfL have about the project plans (top level) for the weekend works?

    

    

   TfL is fully engaged with its suppliers and manages the work through an integrated team. TfL has full visibility of the work plans in the run into the possession. 

    

    

3. What information does TfL have about what time over the weekend the works team realised that the works were going to over run?

    

    

   In the case of the weekend of the 29th May, the engineering works towards the end of the programme were delayed and significant effort was made to recover the situation.  The possibility of an over run was initially raised at approximately 2230 on Monday 28^th May. 

    

    

4. What information does TfL have about what steps and processes were used over the weekend to prevent, to be aware and to recover from any over run?

    

    

   TfL create mitigation plans ahead of weekend works to ensure that the service following engineering works suffers minimal disruption. These mitigation plans, for the nature of track replacement works can be limited in terms of reduction of scope, as there is a need to have a complete section of track that is safe for operational use.  

    

    

5. What information does TfL have about what steps are being taken to avoid future overruns?

 

To prevent future overruns, we are undertaking an investigation into this weekends work to ensure appropriate lessons are learnt.  We will also be carrying out a full review of our method for replacing concreted points and crossings during closures of the underground and will not be undertaking any works of a similar nature until that review is complete. 

If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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