Rail bosses' pledge after Rugeley to Birmingham line upgrade delay
A multi-million pound project to speed up trains on a major line has been delayed by three years.
Network Rail was previously scheduled to increase the speed of trains on the Chase line between Rugeley and Birmingham from 45-50mph to 70mph by spring next year.
But following a decision to electrify the line announced in January the 'line speed improvements' are now being reviewed to bring the improvements into line with the new electric trains.
The line currently has diesel trains.
The speed improvements are now not expected to take place until December 2017, when the line is electrified.
Network Rail says putting the upgrade on hold is in a bid to 'maximise passenger benefits', as the line must be suitable for the use of electric trains.
Electrification of the line will, therefore, not be delayed.
Prior to the announcement the firm was also having technical issues with the upgrade of the line.
As well as increasing the speed of the trains, the improvements will also see the introduction of automatic ticket machines at stations and the upgrade of sleepers, rails and platforms.
Cabinet member for transport at Cannock Chase District Council, Gordon Alcott, said he was relieved by the news as he had previously feared it could mean the electrification of the line was delayed.
"It's a bit disappointing to hear that the upgrade has been put back but these things do happen," he said.
"When we were told about the work being put back, we were originally under the impression that it could mean a delay on the electrification of the line, which we vehemently opposed.
"They couldn't have got the speed of the trains up with the diesel trains like they can with electric ."
The £30m upgrade of the Chase Line between Walsall and Rugeley will see large sections of rail converted to run electric trains in a move which should bring faster and more reliable services. The line includes Hednesford, Cannock, Landywood and Bloxwich.
Communications manager for Network Rail, Ben Herbert, said: "The planned electrification and line speed improvements on the Cannock line will provide a better service for passengers, with clean, modern electric trains and reduced journey times.
