To enable them to make the best use of the facility the following work was carried out:

• Installation of 4.3km of 3rd and 4th conductor rails on the recently installed former Up line in a mixture of steel and low loss composite rail (aluminium with a steel cap)

• Construction of a DC substation at Old Dalby to supply either 630v or 750v

• Running an 11kV supply alongside the line from Asfordby (where the National Grid 132kV feeder to the 25kV transformer was situated) to Old Dalby to feed the substation

• The re-furbishing of the Old Dalby Control Centre site including workshop and fencing to provide a secure stabling area if required

• Fencing upgrade at strategic locations throughout the line and upgrading of signage to highlight the additional hazards

Other various works were carried out to address the problems caused by the lack of maintenance since Alstom had pulled out

These included

• Upgrade of Down line track and fastenings

• Structural repairs to bridges and tunnels

• Clearing of culverts

• Repairs to fencing

• Drainage works as required

• Track work to return to 90 mile/h on the main line and 60 mile/h on the Up

• Cut back vegetation

• Repairs to buildings at Old Dalby