Network Rail are in the process of upgrading signalling equipment at Birmingham New Street Station, which will cause delays or changes to train services in the station.
As Britain's busiest train station outside of London, it's key for Birmingham New Street to have an efficient signally system to ensure trains services run smoothly.
Most of the signal equipment is now becoming life expired and due for replacement, a process which Network Rail will carry out throughout 2021.
Sunday, 25th April, saw Platform 11 reopen to passengers after work, whilst Platform 10 was closed for work to take place.
Timetables for trains will not be affected, but trains operated by the companies may arrive/depart from different platforms to normal:
- West Midlands Railway
- London Northwestern Railway
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
- Transport for Wales
Information about which platform is closed and which platforms trains will use will be available across the station and on journey planning websites such as National Rail Enquiries to help passengers get to where they need to go.
Central route director for Network Rail Dave Penney said: “While passengers are following Government advice to minimise travel, it is fantastic to see more people returning to the railway and we want to make journeys as easy as possible while this major signalling upgrade takes place.
“I'd urge those travelling to through Birmingham New Street to always check which platform your train is on as this can change at short notice over the course of the rolling platform closures.
“This once in a generation overhaul of the station's signalling equipment, at one of Britain's most important stations, has been carefully planned to minimise disruption. Once complete, the West Midlands will have large areas using one of the most modern signalling systems anywhere in Britain which will help provide a safe, reliable and high performing railway for decades to come.”
Chairperson of the Grand Rail Collaboration, representing train operators which use Birmingham New Street, Alex Warner, said: “A key part of delivering for passengers is for train services to be reliable and with capacity for growth. A modern signalling system is essential in delivering this.
“This investment is vital for the long-term future of the railway in the West Midlands. In the short-term, the most important thing this to manage the impact and the fact no trains will be cancelled is great news for passengers.”
Executive Director for West Midlands Rail Executive Malcolm Holmes said: “Birmingham New Street is at the centre of the West Midlands rail network, and it needs the best technology to keep passengers and trains safely moving for many years to come. The industry has worked together to run a full timetable throughout this work, minimising disruption. The outcome will be a better, more reliable railway for the region.”
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