Media centre

Monday 1 Sep 2014

Investment delivers a better railway between Barnt Green and Redditch

Region & Route:

The railway between Barnt Green and Redditch reopened this morning (1 September) after an eight-week closure to improve services and facilities for passengers.

Train services between the two stations resumed after Network Rail built a new section of railway in the Alvechurch area and improved facilities and accessibility at Alvechurch station.

The new three kilometre section of railway – which has created a double section of track to allow trains to pass each other - will allow three services an hour to run between Barnt Green and Redditch in both directions from December rather than the two per hour which currently operate.

Alvechurch station has been developed with a new platform as well as a new bridge and lifts to provide step-free access for passengers.

The improvements are part of a £100m investment package in the railway in north Worcestershire which also includes electrification, linespeed improvements and a new station at Bromsgrove.

Liam Sumpter, area director for Network Rail, said: “The completion of this work is the first significant phase of the £100m improvement package being delivered across north Worcestershire.

“The additional train in each direction will mean passengers travelling between Redditch and Barnt Green – and on the Cross City line generally – will benefit from a much improved service while passengers using Alvechurch station have better access and facilities.

“As an industry we are committed to investing in and improving the network to meet the demands of the ever increasing number of people who are choosing to travel by train.”

Mark Goodall, London Midland’s head of Cross City services said, “We worked extremely hard to implement an effective rail replacement operation for our customers over the last eight weeks, and I thank everyone who has travelled with us for their patience.

“The new station facilities at Alvechurch are extremely impressive, and we look forward to the implementation of the winter timetable when all passengers on the route will benefit from an improved rail service”.

To thank those affected by the recent closure for their patience, London Midland and Network Rail were at Redditch, Barnt Green and Alvechurch stations this morning (Monday) to speak to passengers and provide breakfast.