Media centre

Monday 19 Sep 2011

NETWORK RAIL CONSULTS ON PLANS TO INCREASE CAPACITY BETWEEN REDDITCH AND BIRMINGHAM

Region & Route:

Network Rail is holding a public consultation this week to give members of the public the opportunity to comment on plans to increase capacity on the Redditch branch line.

The existing single track line limits the amount of services that can run from Redditch, Alvechurch and Barnt Green into Birmingham. The current proposal is to build a new section of track which would start just north of Alvechurch Station and run south towards Redditch for approximately two miles.

This new piece of track would mean that the number of services running from Redditch, Alvechurch and Barnt Green could increase from two to three per hour in either direction. The introduction of the new piece of track would also mean the building of a second platform at Alvechurch Station, and a new means of accessing it.

Before the work to introduce the new loop can begin, Network Rail is consulting members of the public and other groups ahead of a submission to the Infrastructure Planning Committee to get the necessary powers to build the line.

Should the proposals go ahead work could start on the scheme in autumn 2013 and be completed by summer 2014.

Jo Kaye, route director at Network Rail, said: “Rail routes into Birmingham are expected to grow significantly over the next 20 years. It is important that we act now to meet this anticipated growth, and schemes like the one on the Redditch branch line help to provide more space for current passengers, and also build capacity for future passengers.”

For more information on the scheme you can visit the website at www.networkrail.co.uk/redditch or attend one of the public exhibitions below:

22 September, Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Redditch (2pm – 8pm)

23 September, Alvechurch Library (10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5.30pm)

26 September, Alvechurch Village Hall (4pm – 8pm)