Network Rail has announced its preferred plan to solve one of the few remaining bottlenecks on the key rail line connecting London, Birmingham, Manchester and Scotland.
This follows last year’s extensive consultation on three options to upgrade the railway around Norton Bridge to the north of Stafford.
The plans will take Birmingham to Manchester trains up and over the main line rather than across it, creating a more reliable railway for passengers, with additional trains and more seats.
Extensive analysis of the benefits and impacts of each option is now complete and a preferred scheme identified.
The chosen scheme – known as option A1 – includes a new 4km section of track to the west of the existing main line railway and a bridge flyover to link it with the Stone branch.
Jo Kaye, route director for Network Rail, said:
“We’d like to thank everybody who took part in the public consultation. We’ve now had time to assess the options and whilst the most westerly alignment delivers the best solution, the consultation process revealed the views of different local communities were largely split.
“Our panel of experts has therefore also reviewed a variation of this option. Whilst delivering a range of technical benefits, this alignment gives us an opportunity to take account of the consultation feedback relating to the three options. We need time to develop this further and look forward to exploring with local people ways to mitigate any remaining concerns.”
The scheme is a key part of Network Rail’s plans for the future of rail. It will improve links between London and key cities in the North West, including Birmingham and Manchester.
Bryan Carnes, chief executive of North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Britain relies on rail and this route is critical for the future economic health of so many businesses in Staffordshire. The railway provides an important link with towns and cities across the country, which is essential for effective communication. Investing in the west coast main line to further improve capacity and reliability is exactly what our country needs.”
Consultation on the preferred option will take place in the autumn before the plans are progressed.
Network Rail intends to submit an application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission or its successor body in late 2012 following more detailed discussions with the public, technical and environmental bodies as well as the rail industry.
