District line closures are set to fall and train reliability is set to increase for east Londoners, Transport for London (TfL) has said.

Works to upgrade out-of-date signalling systems on the eastern end of the District line will be finished by the end of March, TfL has confirmed.

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There will be a reduction in signal failures, the operator says, and it will be able to run trains closer together in central stations.

As well as resulting in fewer weekend closures, TfL added this will increase the speed and reliability of the service.

Ilford Recorder: The 4 Lines signalling facility operates the District, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan and Circle linesThe 4 Lines signalling facility operates the District, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan and Circle lines (Image: Unmesh Desai)

It has acknowledged that the volume of closures was very high in 2022, which it said was compounded by Elizabeth line works at Whitechapel and a spate of cable vandalism incidents at Barking.

TfL has also previously pledged that Dagenham Heathway Tube station would not need to be closed due to flooding after repairs to the roof in December 2022.

London Assembly Member for City and East, Unmesh Desai, and Barking and Dagenham councillor Andrew Achilleos visited the 4 Lines Control Centre at Hammersmith station to meet with TfL representatives and view the new signalling system.

The 4 Lines Control Centre controls District, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan and Circle Lines from a single site. 

Ilford Recorder: Local Assembly member Unmesh Desai and Barking and Dagenham Cllr Andrew Achilleos visited the 4 Lines signalling facility Local Assembly member Unmesh Desai and Barking and Dagenham Cllr Andrew Achilleos visited the 4 Lines signalling facility (Image: Unmesh Desai)

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Mr Desai had raised the issue of District line closures with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan in November.

He said: "I'm proud we will have a better service for east London, and a better service for all Londoners.

"A reliable transport system not only benefits residents but opens up the area for visitors and tourists and boosts local business.

"Vital transport and infrastructure upgrade work is only possible with proper public investment from the government.

"I will carry on the fight for improved transport services for my constituents so east London can continue to thrive."