Request ID: FOI-1055-2122 Date published: 25 August 2021
You asked
Dear Docklands Light Railway Limited,
I seek information regarding the processes of engineering works carried out on the DLR.
1. Does the DLR carry out engineering works on nights other than weekend possessions?
2. What are the purposes of the DLR engineering fleet (locomotives 993 and 994 + wagons)?
3. During weekend possessions, what time do engineering works begin following the end of service, and as such, what time does the engineering fleet leave Poplar Depot to get to its designated worksite?
4. During weekend possessions, are the engineering fleet (993 and 994) used in all cases?
5. Do certain locations require the trains more than others? ie locations with poor work access such as tunnels at Bank, Island Gardens and Woolwich Arsenal?
We answered
TfL Ref: 1055-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 21 August 2021 asking for information about engineering works carried out on the DLR. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Your questions and our replies are as follows:
1. Does the DLR carry out engineering works on nights other than weekend possessions? Both KAD Maintenance and DLR Projects undertake works during Engineering Hours.
2. What are the purposes of the DLR engineering fleet (locomotives 993 and 994 + wagons)? They are used to assist with delivering and removing material/plant etc to site.
3. During weekend possessions, what time do engineering works begin following the end of service, and as such, what time does the engineering fleet leave Poplar Depot to get to its designated worksite? Weekend Possession usually start Saturday 01:30. Dependant on the service being run through the weekend 993 and 994 will leave the Depot(s) between 01:30 to 04:30. If required they will return back to the depot to unload and reload with materials or plant, this is different for each weekend closure and is governed by the type of works being undertaken.
4. During weekend possessions, are the engineering fleet (993 and 994) used in all cases? 993 and 994 will be used however if they are not available (pre booked) and we have a large volume of works planned for a particular weekend we will utilise other plant (RRVs, Cranes, Hi Abs etc).
5. Do certain locations require the trains more than others? Ie locations with poor work access such as tunnels at Bank, Island Gardens and Woolwich Arsenal? Yes they do, not only locations but gradients, allowable weight restrictions and clearance all play a part in understanding which train/plant we utilise in a particular area.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
