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Thursday 20 Aug 2026

Stourbridge MP sees railway recovery work after wildfire devastation

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

The MP for Stourbridge has seen first-hand the huge recovery operation taking place after wildfires caused significant damage to the railway between Stourbridge and Hagley.

Cat Eccles MP met Network Rail engineers on site today (20 August) as teams continue working round-the-clock to repair the railway and reopen the line for passengers.

The line between Stourbridge Junction and Hagley was badly damaged after wildfires devastated parts of Stourbridge on Thursday 13 August.

The fires caused major damage to signalling equipment, telecommunications systems, drainage, lineside fencing, and neighbouring trees.

During the visit, Cat Eccles MP heard how engineers have been working throughout the week to inspect the damage, carefully plan repairs, replace safety-critical equipment, and prepare the railway for reopening.

By the time the work is complete, more than 200 railway staff will have been involved, including engineers, technical specialists, arborists, train planners, signallers, project managers, and operations teams.

The railway between Stourbridge Junction and Hagley is due to reopen on Saturday 22 August. 

Cat Eccles, Member of Parliament for Stourbridge, said: "I’m grateful to Network Rail for showing me the recovery work and how much damage to the railway has been caused. I’d like to share my thanks to the people working night and day to get the railway back open for passengers.

"It's incredible how the entire community has come together to support one another following this devastating incident."

Denise Wetton, integrated managing director for GBR West Midlands, said: “I am pleased we were able to show Cat Eccles MP the extent of the damage to the railway and the scale of the recovery work taking place.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by these devastating fires. We know how important this railway is for local communities which is why our teams are working so hard to reopen the line as quickly as possible.

“It is a true industry effort, with more than 200 people involved from engineers and arborists to signallers, train crews, planners, project managers, control teams, and the supply chain.

“We’re continuing to keep passengers moving while the line is closed but urge everyone to check before they travel for the latest information.”

Recovery work has included replacing more than 3,000m of damaged signalling power and data cables, more than 1,500m of lineside fencing and boundary protection, more than 70 signalling components, and over 1,000m of drainage channels which have needed to be repaired or replaced.

Trees along a two-mile stretch have been assessed by arborists and engineers, while both local bridges have been checked by structural engineers. The track has been ultrasonically tested for faults to make sure it is safe to run trains through the area once again. Follow-up repairs and recovery work is expected to continue after the line reopens.

Passengers are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk as there may be some changes to services while the railway fully returns to normal. Rail replacement buses and alternative travel options will remain in place while the railway is closed.