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.
Which tracks are being replaced and when…
On February 21, track was replaced between Tamworth and Burton-on-Trent, between Birmingham New Street and Nuneaton, and between Tame Bridge Parkway and Rugeley Trent Valley
On Saturday, February 27, track between Birmingham New Street and Coleshill Parkway, and between Birmingham New Street and Tamworth (via Wilnecote).
On Sunday, February 28, between Birmingham New Street and Coleshill Parkway, between Birmingham New Street and Tamworth (via Wilnecote), and between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley;
On Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14, between Warwick Parkway and Stratford-upon-Avon, and between Warwick Parkway and Solihull;
On Sunday, March 21, between Birmingham New Street and Redditch, and Birmingham New Street and Droitwich Spa.
