Electrification of Chase Line moves closer at start of works
Electric train services on the Chase Line moved a step closer today as political leaders marked the next phase of the work in Hednesford.
Network Rail will electrify 15 miles of railway between Walsall, Hednesford and Rugeley Trent Valley to provide a cleaner, greener and more regular service.
Company chiefs were joined by Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley, district and town council leaders and London Midland officials for the start of the demolition of the Station Road bridge in Hednesford yesterday.
It is the second of three bridges which will be rebuilt higher to accommodate overhead electric lines needed to run the new trains.
Liam Sumpter, Network Rail area director, said: "Electrification helps to boost capacity, reduce carbon emissions and cut the cost of running the railway. Electric trains are also quieter, more reliable and have more seats, providing extra space for passengers."
Mr Burley said that, when complete, the line will transform journeys for passengers. "Electrification will also go a huge way to reinforce the message that Cannock Chase is the place to come to in Staffordshire – to live, work and for leisure. I am delighted that the machinery is now on site and the project is finally now being delivered."
Mark Goodall, London Midland's head of cross city service, added the project would 'significantly improve' rail services.
Work on the upgrade is under way and is due to be completed by late 2017. Rail services will not be affected until spring when the line will be closed for short periods on Sunday mornings to allow construction work to be completed safely.
London Midland will provide a rail replacement service during those periods.
