Media centre

Wednesday 12 Oct 2016

Network Rail invites Bloxwich residents to drop-in events to hear more about proposed level crossing closure

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Residents in Bloxwich are invited to two drop-in events to hear more information on the proposed closure of a level crossing in the town.

As part of Network Rail’s multi-billion pound Railway Upgrade Plan, the Chase Line - which runs through Bloxwich from Walsall and Rugeley in the north to Birmingham New Street in the south – is to be electrified. This work will enable a more reliable service to run on the line. To allow this to happen, the level crossing on Willenhall Lane will be closed.

Two information events are being held between 10am and 6pm, the first on Thursday 13 October 2016 at Bloxwich Library, Elmore Row, Walsall WS3 2HR and the second on Friday 14 October 2016 at Walsall Borough Council House, Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TW. Representatives from the project team will be on hand to provide information on the work, outline the timetable of that work and to answer any questions that the public may have.

Work is expected to start in spring 2017, with completion proposed in winter 2017.

Network Rail and Walsall Council are currently working on a plan to address the expected impact a closure would have on local people.  Details of this plan will be made available at these events for local people to have their say.

Matt Brown, scheme project manager for Network Rail said: “This project is key to modernising the railway through the area and providing passengers with a more reliable, better railway.

“We understand that in delivering this project some members of the local community will be impacted by the closure of the level crossing. That is why Network Rail and Walsall Borough Council are working closely to address the anticipated impact and we welcome the thoughts of local people.

“Our Railway Upgrade Plan is delivering significant investment into the railway network which will provide a better, more reliable railway for passengers.” 

Cllr Lee Jeavons, Deputy Leader, Walsall MBC: Portfolio holder for regeneration and transport said: I welcome feedback from the people of Walsall on the plans to electrify the Chase Railway line in the Spring of 2017. These two drop in events will help us understand the long-term significance of the Railway Upgrade Plan and what the benefits are for residents and those businesses and commuters who travel to Walsall and the wider Black Country daily. In my opinion the proposed work will provide a more reliable service and this is good news for Walsall's economy and the travelling public."

For more information on our work logon to www.networkrail.co.uk or call our 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.