Media centre

Tuesday 23 Sep 2014

Find out more about the impact of railway upgrades in Walsall

Region & Route:

Residents and businesses in Walsall are urged to find out more about the latest planned work in the area as part of the electrification of the railway between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley.

Two drop-in sessions will take place later this week, arranged by Network Rail, to outline what work is planned to take place between autumn 2014 and winter 2016 in Walsall.

To upgrade the line and make it suitable for electric trains a number of bridges are being rebuilt to accommodate overhead power lines underneath. The latest work will also see a level crossing closed with upgrades to local roads to accommodate the additional traffic.

Working closely with Walsall Council, Network Rail proposes to close Bloxwich level crossing and install an accessible footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists, and rebuild bridges over the railway at Central Drive and North Street.

Liam Sumpter, area director for Network Rail, said: “Electrification provides a greener, faster and more reliable railway, providing a better service to passengers. A significant amount of work is required to upgrade the railway and much is already underway or completed as part of our investment.

“Replacing these bridges is essential to allow the line to be electrified while closing the level crossing will improve safety in the area as there will be faster, quieter trains passing through.

“The sessions are an opportunity to find out more about the work and ask any questions about how it will impact the local area. There will be disruption while the upgrades are completed and I apologise for the inconvenience. However the end result will be a better railway for Walsall and the wider West Midlands.”

Councillor Lee Jeavons, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: "Electrification will bring huge benefits to the region. Electric trains have more seats than diesel trains of the same length and they can run more quickly.

"But we recognise that this work will cause some disruption to those who live or work near the level crossing in Bloxwich.

"These sessions have been arranged so that Network Rail can let local residents know of the timetable of works and we thank people in advance for their patience."

Details of the two drop-in sessions are:

• Thursday 25 September, 2pm to 7pm; Dudley Fields Youth Centre, Sneyd Hall Road, Dudley Fields Estate, Bloxwich, WS3 2NN.

• Saturday 27 September, 9am to 1pm; Bloxwich Library, Elmore Row, Bloxwich, WS3 2HR.

Network Rail is electrifying 15 miles of railway between Walsall, Hednesford and Rugeley Trent Valley to provide a cleaner, greener and more regular train service for passengers on the Chase Line.