Media centre

Friday 17 Feb 2006

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS FOR RUGBY STATION GIVEN APPROVAL

Region & Route:

Network Rail’s plans for a £190m package of investment in Rugby station have this week been given the go ahead by the local borough council. Plans for a new look station are part of a package of works which will significantly improve train capacity and performance through Rugby and remove the bottleneck to service that currently exists. They include extensive remodelling of the railway lines through the station, the reinstatement of a fourth track from Rugby to Brinklow, complete refurbishment of flyovers to the north and south of the station, two new platforms and the improvements to the station. The work is being carried out as part of the £8bn upgrade of the West Coast main line. Line speed through Rugby is currently 75mph, which is a considerable constraint to the upgraded 125mph railway. Network Rail’s plans will result in more capacity for services stopping at Rugby, and allow high speed trains to pass through at 125mph. The plans approved by Rugby Borough Council will see a new station entrance with a purpose-built ticket hall and facilities for a café. The subway will be completely refurbished and two new platforms built, one on the north and the other on the south side of the station, and new lifts to all platforms will allow full access for disabled passengers. Customer facilities will also be improved, including the provision of additional cycle racks and passenger shelters. Tom McCarthy, Programme Director, West Coast, said, “The remodelling of Rugby is an integral part of our programme to upgrade the West Coast main line. Passengers and freight operators will benefit from the improved performance and capacity once the project is complete.”