Good news for Redditch rail users (From Redditch Advertiser)

Good news for Redditch rail users

8:30am Friday 11th January 2013 in News

REDDITCH train users should be on track for some good news after Network Rail announced a series of improvements as part of its £550 million investment in the rail infrastructure in the region.

The electrification of Bromsgrove Railway Station, which Network Rail has identified as one of its key projects, is crucial, as it will enable an increase to three trains per hour running between Redditch, Bromsgrove and Birmingham New Street.

Under the work the southern end of the Cross City Line between Barnt Green and Bromsgrove would be electrified. There is also a proposal for the laying of a new section of line between Alvechurch and Redditch, with a second platform and footbridge at Alvechurch station.

Network Rail say the scheme would be delivered between 2014 and 2019, though electrification work could be carried out during the early part of this period, especially as the new station is earmarked for a 2015 opening.

Dyan Crowther, Network Rail’s managing director, said: “Our route plan sets out the investment we are making for the future, with a particular focus on electrification to help create a bigger, better railway.

“In just seven years time we will have dramatically improved rail travel between the key towns and cities of the West Midlands, enabling the provision of more trains and more seats to help drive economic growth.”