Media centre

Thursday 12 Aug 2010

SHREWSBURY STATION POISED FOR RAIL GROWTH

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail has unlocked the potential at Shrewsbury station to cater for more trains on platform 3, marking a new milestone to an ongoing effort to improve rail services.

The upgrade of the signalling system in the Shrewsbury area will now enable trains from the Hereford and Cambrian lines to travel via platform 3. 

The enhanced capability will help ease congestion on the line, bringing a more reliable service to passengers.  It also spells an opportunity for more trains to operate between Hereford and Shrewsbury and the Cambrian Lines to Shrewsbury, catering to any potential passenger growth in the future.

In addition, the new infrastructure will pave the way for more capacity and better performing rail services on the North-South Wales rail link.

Mike Gallop, principal programme sponsor, Network Rail said: "Britain relies on rail.  The number of passengers traveling through Shrewsbury station has grown by around 25% in the last five years and the station now serves around 1.6m passengers per year.

“As the railway continues to grow, we will need to create flexibility on the railway and more importantly, room to cater to future demand.  This effort underscores our commitment and the importance to invest in the future of our railway.”

On top of this investment, Shrewsbury station has also benefited from a series of upgrades, including new electrical system, real-time customer information system, CCTV and a new lift at platform 3. 

Network Rail is also currently working with Arriva Trains Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government to further improve the station with new lighting, paint, canopies and waiting facilities to provide passengers with a clean, bright and secure environment.

New signal equipment was installed on platform 3 with changes made to the interlocking system in Severn Bridge Junction signal box and to the track points.