19.03.15
Privately-funded Selby to Hull electrification by the end of CP6
The government has said the electrification of the Selby to Hull line will be complete by 2024, subject to an “acceptable contribution” from First Hull Trains and a business case. This date is far later than had originally been hoped.
The open access operator’s decision to put substantial funding, up to £94m, into the electrification project has been welcomed, but many people in the Hull area were hoping the project would be done by 2017, when Hull becomes UK City of Culture.
First Hull Train’s current track access agreement ends in 2019.
Announced as part of the chancellor’s final Budget before the general election, it was stated that electrification would be complete by the end of Network Rail’s Control Period 6.
£3.3m of public money has been spent to develop the project, but it will be substantially funded by the private sector.
Earlier this month the Northern Electrification Task Force recommended 12 lines for electrification across the north of the country, including Selby to Hull.
A spokesperson for Hull Trains told RTM that the news on electrification will be welcomed by the region at large.
“In essence, the statement today is simply confirmation of what the North of England Task Force reported back on in early March,” she said.
“As you would expect the timescales suggested by the government are what will come under scrutiny by many who have supported electrification thus far. At present, our own track access ends in 2019 and we are mindful to continue exploring all electrification options as we seek to develop a long-term secure future for our business and the passengers who rely on us.”
A Department for Transport spokesman told us: “The government is supportive of this scheme. We are working closely with First Hull Trains and Amey to explore options and agree plans for work to begin as soon as possible.”
RTM has contacted Network Rail about the announcement, but at the time of publication had received no reply.
(Image: c. Joshua Brown)
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