MORE than 6km of railway track is being replaced across the West Midlands as the rail industry looks to recover from the pandemic. Network Rail said it is investing more than £3m to renew track along key routes to be in the best possible position for when travel restrictions are eased.
The work will start during this lockdown – when only essential journeys are permitted – so fewer passengers will be affected by the railway closures needed for new tracks to be built.
Dave Penney, Network Rail’s central route director, said: “While passenger numbers are still low, we’re making sure the railway across the West Midlands is in the best possible shape ready to welcome them back when measures can be eased. For those who are still travelling by rail for reasons permitted by the government, I’d urge people to check National Rail Enquiries before setting off so they know what to expect.”
Alex Warner, chairman of the Grand Rail Collaboration representing train operators across the West Midlands, said: “This investment will allow us to welcome passengers back to comfortable and reliable journeys as soon as we’re able.”
Those using the rail network for essential journeys should leave more time to complete their journeys. They can check www.nationalrail.co.uk before travelling for updates on operators CrossCountry, Chiltern Railways, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Trains.