Aldgate track works for 32tph

[jimbo]

Underground News of June 2015 had an article on the SSR track upgrade:

At Aldgate (August 2019) a substantial realignment of the junction is planned, with the removal of the reversal route from the outer rail platform 1, and of the direct route into platform 2 so that those trains will need to enter by the route they now use to depart. However, a new crossover from platform 3 will allow departing trains to use the route from platform 4 to reach the westbound line and avoid trains entering platform 2 by the revised routing.

This was subsequently reported as dropped, but in more recent times TfL have stated that simulations show that the new signalling will not achieve 32tph without substantial track works at Aldgate. However, uncertainty about Government funding support beyond March 2024 makes it unclear if this work can be undertaken. Can anyone say exactly what works are essential, and when they are envisaged to be done?

[brigham]

Difficult to answer without knowing the current level of service. The 'essential-ness' is proportional to the enhancement.

[gefw]

I suspect this is not an issue specific to Aldgate in that the new 4 LM signalling system "struggles" to achieve the TPH/run time expectations particularly at busy times at "Compact" points/crossings areas (WRT overrun protection and releasing points ASAP for next route). I think the problem was first seen at Hammersmith, then Edgware Rd, Baker St etc.
In the era of money no object, LUL was prepared to pay for track works to help the problem (eg repositioning points to increase "overlap", upgrading points to higher speed, adding trap points etc). But as per the previous comments, that era is over within the Capital budget- Although some work may get in under the R&E Track works project budget for points renewal if the asset custodians can raise enough reliability and/or condition concerns and there is senior operator support (presumably these are golden assets as they have a very high consequence if they fail or need speed restriction)
The 4LM project team are in the difficult position of prioritising the Thales signal design resources between solving the existing problems/operation constraints and the roll out to next areas (SMA's).
In the mean time it is probably being alleviated by timetabling (particularly crossing moves). Obviously in time of service disruption this then relies on the control room operators to do this "on the fly" - not sure if they have any suggestion/support/prediction tools built into the control centre (or on separate system)