Network Rail engineers working on new track during Trent Valley line upgrade October 2022, via Network Rail

Return to passenger travel as Trent Valley line upgrade works complete

The works to replace track and upgrade railway signalling systems on the Trent Valley line is officially complete and has seen the railway reopened today, for passenger travel.

The essential improvements to the West Coast main line through Staffordshire and Warwickshire come as part of a £58m investment to improve future journeys on this important stretch.

Projects to improve the passenger experience through UK rail travel are integral to encouraging more people to travel by train, in the hopes to recoup passenger numbers that were lost during the pandemic.

A project of this size saw disruptions for the local community, as it was necessary to close the line for nine days, allowing Network Rail engineers to replace 1000 metres of track at Nuneaton and install new signalling equipment for trains at Stafford. Network Rail has thanked passengers for their patience throughout this period, especially as the works coincided with the recent half term, impacting holiday journeys.

Dave Penney, Network Rail passenger director for the North West and Central region, said:

 “We know this work has meant longer journeys for passengers travelling over the school half term holidays, so I’d like to thank everyone impacted for bearing with us while we carried out this essential work.

“We worked closely with train operators to keep people on the move using rail replacement buses during the nine-day railway closure. These improvements mean this vital section of the West Coast main line will continue to deliver safe, reliable journeys for passenger and freight services.”

With the essential upgrades now complete, direct trains resumed from the start of service this morning, Monday 31st October.

Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here

RTM Mag Cover, Feb/March 23

RTM FEB/MARCH 23

Investing in the future of Scotland's rainforest

This issue highlights the latest topics within the rail industry, from decarbonising the Midlands, improving rail safety, meeting the future priorities of Scotland's Railway & more!                                                      

Videos...

View all videos
TransCityRail Banner

TransCityRail

South \ 28 09 23
North \ 09 11 23
Mids \ 29 02 24

TransCityRail is a series of regional, interactive and insightful events across the country bringing together leaders, collaborators, problem solvers and innovators in a creative and invigorating way.
 

This series of events supports and informs the whole of the rail industry and connects suppliers with buyers, specifiers, leaders and decision-makers looking to procure a wide variety of innovative products and services for their region.

Podcast

Episode 37 - What does the future of transport look like

This episode of Track Talk sees a discussion with Conservative MP for Milton Keynes South Iain Stewart, Chair of the Transport Committee. The focus of this episode revolves around disruptive technologies within the rail sector, specifically the impact that the new, innovative advancements and trends might have across all modes of transport. The Transport Committee are taking proposals from people in the sector who are in the know about innovations that deserve more attention, so we have given them the platform to discuss the process and hear what the committee is looking for. 

More articles...

View all