The Trent Valley Line is being treated with a brand-new railway track and improved signalling. Once finished, this will mean smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers who use the busy West Coast main line.
New excavation techniques will allow the bottom ballast to be positioned perfectly, meaning track panels can be laid to absolute design coordinates via the use of a global positioning system (GPS), providing accuracy within 10mm. Consequently, creating a strong foundation for the track. The new signalling will also minimise any potential faults and reduce possible delays.
In the meantime, commuters travelling between Stafford and Rubgy are being advised to ‘look before they book’ prior to a month of railway upgrades expected to cause some disruptions.
Lawrence Bowman, West Midlands Trains’ Customer Experience Director, said “we all want a modern reliable train service, so track maintenance and upgrades cannot be avoided. The good news is we all benefit from these upgrades. So, the advice as always is plan ahead and allow more time for your journey if you are travelling during this period.”
Gus Dunster, Executive Director of Operations and Safety at Avanti West Coast, said “there’ll be changes to our services while Network Rail carry out essential improvement works. During these weekends we’ll be operating a reduced service and journeys will take longer. We strongly recommend you make a reservation, plan your journey in advance as well as check the National Rail Enquiries website before travelling.”
A new timetable will be in place to minimise disruption, and buses will replace trains to keep London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway passengers on the move. Stations include:
- Rugby - Stafford
- Hednesford - Rugeley Trent Valley
- Bermuda Park/Coventry Arena - Nuneaton
James Dean, Network Rail’s West Coast South Route Director, said “we’re really pleased to be investing in the Trent Valley Line so that passengers get the journeys they deserve as they continue to return to the railway. The investment is a key part of our work to support the post-pandemic recovery, helping the country build back better.”
Customers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk to plan their journeys, and work will happen between 24-25 July, 31-1 August and 14-15 August.
The Director added, “services will only be affected during the weekends with some journeys replaced by buses to ensure passengers can still get to where they need to be. I’d urge people to check National Rail Enquiries, so they know exactly what to expect from their journey.”
On August 18, 2021 RTM will be hosting a virtual event around improving passenger experience across our network. To register click here.
