22.08.17
Chase Line electrification moves forward with steel structure installation
Another 52 steel structures have been put in place on the Rugelely Trent Valley to Walsall electrification programme, which Network Rail says is now well underway.
Existing powerlines south of Walsall station have also been refurbished, whilst over 25 concrete foundations ready for steel stanchions have also been put in place.
Network Rail expects the line to be open again for passenger service on 29 August after a 16-day closure, which comes as part of a national investment that is putting more than £100m in the Chase Line.
At the moment, overhead wires are only installed as far as Walsall, meaning London Midland currently runs diesel trains from Birmingham to Rugeley Trent Valley.
However, once this tranche of work is complete in early 2018, passengers will benefit from an electrified, greener and quieter railway.
Over the next 10 days, ‘Orange Army’ engineers will also put in place the remaining steel structures to be installed, and more of the existing overhead power line will be replaced along with 2800m of rail.
“This work, part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, will mean passengers travelling between Rugeley and Birmingham via Walsall will have a better, more reliable railway,” said Martin Tiller, the infrastructure owner’s project sponsor.
“The work is going to plan and we are progressing well. Unfortunately these upgrades cannot be done while trains are running so we have had to close the line between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley for 16 days.
“The work has been carefully planned with London Midland to get the maximum amount completed whilst causing the least disruption.”
Amanda Milling, MP for Cannock Chase, said she sympathised with passengers’ frustration about the disruption on the Chase Line, but reassured them that once works are finished they will quickly notice the benefits of the upgrade.
“The electrification of the Chase Line will see faster and more frequent trains which mean there are hundreds more seats, bringing an end to the misery passengers have faced over the last few years,” she explained. “I would urge passengers to check before they travel as there will be an amended timetable with a replacement bus service.”
London Midland’s head of Route, Rob Hornsey also commented: “We would much sooner be running trains than buses in August but it will be worth it when we can run more frequent, cleaner, quieter and quicker trains to carry more people when the work is done.
“I’d like to thank all our passengers and neighbours for their patience and understanding while this exciting project to upgrade the Chase Line progresses.”
Today’s news follows three separate electrification projects in England being ditched by Chris Grayling, a move criticised by authorities in the north.
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