Work on the London Overground line is 80 per cent complete and on schedule to reopen in February 2017 following a lengthy closure.

From 2018, the two-car Class 172 diesel units currently in use will be replaced by four-car Bombardier Aventra EMUs.

Over 100 kilometres of overhead catenary and more than 600 structures are being installed along the line.

The first overhead lines were installed at Barking earlier this month, but the OLE infrastructure represents a relatively small aspect of the works.

Significant track lowering projects have been taking place at four sites along the route. The whole of Walthamstow Queens Road station has had to be lowered by up to half a metre to accomodate the structures to support the 25 kV AC overhead wires.

A connection has also been created between the Gospel Oak to Barking Line and the East Coast Main Line.

Richard Schofield, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “At 80 per cent complete, it won’t be long until the last diesel operated London Overground route is electrified, helping to meet growing passenger demand as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.

“We’re now focused on installing the overhead line and power switching stations so that we can reopen the route next year. I’d like to thank everyone for their continued patience while the work is carried out.”