Media centre

Thursday 1 Jul 2021

Rail upgrades to improve journeys between Walsall and Cannock

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

Passengers in the West Midlands will have better, smoother journeys thanks to track renewal on the line between Walsall and Cannock.

The £500,000 investment will mean more reliable journeys on the Chase line which connects Rugeley Trent Valley with Birmingham New Street via Walsall.

Work is taking place over four consecutive Sundays from Sunday 27 June, during which parts of the railway will be closed with trains only running between Birmingham New Street and Walsall. Buses will be in use between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley.

Anyone planning to travel on Sunday 4, 11,or 18 July is advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk or with West Midlands Railway at www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk.

Dave Penney, Network Rail’s Central route director, said: “These essential upgrades to the Chase line are part of Network Rail’s commitment to get the railway in the best possible shape as passengers return to the network after the coronavirus lockdown.

“The improvements will mean fewer delays caused by track related issues and the new rails will mean smoother journeys for passengers. I’d urge anyone planning to travel on Sundays over upcoming weeks to check before they travel for the latest information.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “We know our customers appreciate a smooth ride which is why it is important we allow Network Rail to access tracks to carry out these improvements.

“I thank our passengers on the Chase line for their patience while these works are carried out and I urge anyone needing to travel on affected Sundays to plan ahead.”

Passengers can plan their journeys and check for the latest travel information at www.nationalrail.co.uk.