Infrastructure
The branch is known colloquially as the Romford Push and Pull as it is single-track throughout. It is electrified at 25 kV AC. Electrification of the line saw an end to years of speculation about its future. There is only one intermediate station, at Emerson Park. At Upminster the connection west of the station to the LT&S line was severed in 1968.
The branch is not signalled. There were plans to link the line from platform six at Upminster to the reception tracks of the underground depot. This would have allowed the transfer of London Underground D78 Stock units onto the main line to be hauled away by diesel locomotive for refurbishment by Bombardier at Ilford Depot. These plans were scrapped when the refurbishment work was transferred to Wakefield in Yorkshire and the transfer was done by road. The point-work which was half installed is still visible from the eastern end of platform 5 of Upminster.
Read more about this topic: Romford To Upminster Line