Midlands Connect has submitted a business case to the Department for Transport to improve the railway route between Shrewsbury, the Black Country, and Birmingham.
Last year, Midlands Connect issued a “Rails to Recovery” report which found that electrifying the route and extending services from London to Shrewsbury could create up to £500 million of benefits for businesses and residents if trains ran hourly to London. The Government's Union Connectivity Review has identified the importance of Shrewsbury as a centre for connecting Mid & West Wales to the Midlands.
The track would require minor realignments in two places, and improvements to signalling on the line, but the proposed improvements would boost line speed to 90 miles per hour.
Around £23 million of economic benefits would be delivered by the project, which relates to both journey time improvements and improved air quality, environmental benefits, and reduced congestion on local roads. For every £1 invested, £16 could be created for the local economy.
If the scheme gets the go-ahead by the Government, project delivery could begin as early as 2025 As a result of the improvements, Midlands Connect believes more people will choose to travel by rail, generating £1 million of extra ticket sales revenue per annum.
Commenting on the submission of the business case, CEO of Midlands Connect Maria Machancoses said:
“Today's news is another step forward and a major milestone in our journey towards delivering this major project as part of our Midlands Engine Rail programme.
“In the medium term, we are championing the need for direct, hourly trains to London and electrification, but we are also promoting the short-term win of a line speed improvement.
“I believe that this project will help level up the Black Country, support economic development in Shropshire and unlock the fantastic growth of Telford in the years ahead.”
Jane Stevenson MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton North East said:
“This business case is another step towards delivering better links and greener and faster trains between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury. For my constituents, it could also potentially mean a new railway station in Pendeford so that more people can have wider access to jobs, training or school.
“Wolverhampton has seen major investment in the last few years and I believe that this project is another concrete example of levelling up the Black Country.”
Daniel Kawczynski MP, Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury and Atcham said:
“Boosting line speed on this important route through Shrewsbury to 90 miles per hour will be a massive boost for local passengers and businesses, speeding up journeys and encouraging motorists to leave their cars at home. It's fantastic that these plans are being brought forward and could be a great short-term win for this project.
“On a personal level, I've long campaigned for the electrification of this line, something that will secure truly green, sustainable connectivity for generations to come. I'm keen that Government supports us in the delivery of these improvements as soon as possible.”
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Enforcement and Transport at Telford & Wrekin Council said:
“We have been proactively seeking improvements to the rail line in our Borough for many years, and welcome the potential improvements set out by Midlands Connect which have been developed collaboratively with stakeholders like ourselves.
“Whilst the ultimate solution must be the electrification of our rail line, the benefits that line speed improvements will bring in the meantime are significant and should be progressed as soon as possible.
“We know that the way we are travelling is evolving, and that greener modes of transport are key to making sure that our transport network is sustainable going forward and is all part of our wider ambition to support the local economy, create jobs and keep Telford and Wrekin moving.
“I hope that Government shares our passion for this scheme, and provides the required funding to enable work to commence as soon as possible.”
