Media centre

Thursday 24 Sep 2015

Residents invited to find out more about final phase of project to improve journey times between north and south Wales

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Network Rail is inviting residents to find out more about the final phase of a project which will help provide faster and more frequent journeys for passengers between north and south Wales.

As part of the Welsh Government-funded project, four level crossings between Wrexham and Chester are being upgraded from half barrier to full crossing barriers, providing a safer and more reliable railway for passengers and communities on the north Wales border. It will also reduce delays to trains for commuters in Wrexham and Chester.

Members of the public who would like to discuss the work in detail are invited to attend information drop-in events, where staff from the project team will be on hand to help with any queries or concerns. No appointment is necessary for the events, which will be held at the following locations between 3pm and 6.30pm: 

• Wednesday 30 September - Rossett & Burton Village Hall, Station Road, Rossett, LL12 0HE.
• Wednesday 7 October - Saltney Community Centre, Sandy Lane, Saltney, CH4 8UB.

James Jackson, route enhancement manager for Network Rail Wales, said: “We are carrying out work which will allow for more frequent and faster journeys for the increasing numbers of passengers travelling between north and south Wales.

“We are doing this by laying down extra track, making track improvements and upgrading four level crossings to offer more protection to crossing users between Wrexham and Chester.

“I’d like to apologise for any disruption this work may cause and thank the local community for their patience.”

The project to help deliver journey improvements between north Wales and Cardiff has involved track work to increase line-speeds and “doubling” the track between Wrexham and Chester – specifically between Rossett Junction and Saltney Junction. 

In order to carry out the final commissioning phase of the project as quickly and safely as possible, it is necessary to temporarily close the roads on which the level crossings are located as follows:

• Balderton: Friday 23 October – Friday 6 November.
• Broad Oak, near Rossett: Friday 23 October – Friday 6 November.
• Green Lane, near Saltney: Friday 6 November – Friday 27 November.
• Pulford: Friday 6 November – Friday 27 November.

A series of four shorter road closures will be required to carry out some final track work at Balderton and Green Lane level crossings. This work will be carried out between 10pm and 6am. More information regarding these closures will be available at the drop-in events.

Network Rail has worked closely with the local authorities regarding the diversionary routes, which will be clearly signposted.

As part of this scheme, Network Rail will be undertaking engineering work on the line near Chester, which will have an impact on some train services between Wrexham to Chester and Chester to Rhyl. Information about the work can be found here: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/works/.

Passengers are reminded to check before travelling using www.nationalrail.co.uk and train operating company websites.

Members of the public requiring further information can call the Network Rail 24-Hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email CRWales@networkrail.co.uk.