I can’t particularly say that this fills me with much confidence.
The repair to the northbound Victoria Line at Victoria has been carried out by bolting a length of hardwood into a section of conductor rail – which is already welded in several places. The upper surface of the wood is not flush with the top of the rail, which has been either crudely ground down in an attempt to achieve a match, or has simply been worn down by train wheels.
The hardwood “rail” is supported by an ill-fitting cross-timber laid across the “suicide” pit between the tracks. This is wedged in place – at one end with a wooden wedge but at the other with a half brick which is steadily crumbling away.
Have I mentioned we’re staying near Victoria Stn. whilst in London?
This doesn’t make me feel much better, either.
Being English and having travelled those lines quite a few times (never as a commuter) I am not really surprised. Safety always seems a secondary concern and they only react after an accident.
It is also interesting to note the names, such as ‘The Drain’. Other gems would include ‘The Cesspool’, ‘The Toilet’, ‘The Armpit’ (hot summer’s day). Also ‘The Deathtrap’ and ‘The Point of No Return’