125 FOR WEST COAST AT RUGBY

Friday 28 Nov 2003

125 FOR WEST COAST AT RUGBY

Region & Route:: National

Network Rail and Virgin have reached a landmark in the modernisation of the West Coast, with the first stretch of the route handed back at 125mph for the new tilting trains. The 20 mile stretch, between Rugby and Atherstone on the Lichfield Trent valley route, was given the green light this week to allow the new Virgin class 390 Pendolinos to operate over the route for driver training. Passenger trains travelling at 125mph over this stretch of line will follow in due course. Commented Network Rail’s West Coast Project Director James Martin: “This is a real achievement for all associated with the project and is tangible evidence that we are on course for delivering a 125mph railway with tilt by September 2004.”

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