07.06.16
Lord Heseltine calls for Teeside to Northallerton electrification
TransPennine electrification must be extended to the Teeside to Northallerton line in order to contribute to the region’s economic regeneration, Lord Heseltine has said.
In an independent report looking at ways to boost the area’s economy following the closure of the Redcar steel plant, the Conservative peer says that the DfT should “seriously investigate” the possibility of expanding the North TransPennine electrification scheme, which is currently due to stop at York and Selby.
He says that otherwise TransPennine services from Manchester Airport may still need to change at York.
He also says that greater electrification would allow for the introduction of W12 gauge clearance for freight.
The lack of gauge clearance currently requires freight traffic to make a reversal at Darlington, the gateway to the Tees valley, which contributes to congestion and delays at the station that could lead to problems with HS2.
The pressure on freight services is set to get worse after the Northern Gateway Terminal port is built.
Concerns have already been raised about the extensive delays and growing cost of the TransPennine electrification programme.
Lord Heseltine also said that Network Rail and Transport for the North should recognise the importance of Darlington station by including a plan for its commercial regeneration in their CP6 plans.
(Image c. Mick Garratt)
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