Faster trains through Wolverhampton planned as line to Shrewsbury electrified
Faster trains will travel on an upgraded route through the West Midlands under plans unveiled today for a “revolution” in rail travel.
The scheme, proposed by Midlands Connect in a new report, will see the electrification of the line from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury in a move that would cut journey times and reduce carbon emissions on the rail network.
A new hourly service will run from Shropshire through the Black Country and Birmingham to London, with trains travelling at speeds of up to 90mph – up to 80 per cent faster than they do now.
Transport bosses say the changes will increase capacity, slash journey times, boost local businesses and improve connectivity around the region.
They claim upgrading the route will bring £377 million in time savings for passengers and £145m of environmental benefits.
The plans have been submitted to ministers and come after the Government announced a major shake up of rail services under new state-owned body, Great British Railways.
Maria Machancoses, chief executive for Midlands Connect, said: “This work could create a rail revolution in the Black Country and Shropshire.
“I know from experience, using this train every day, how overcrowded it can be. The report lays out how businesses, commuters and residents will all benefit from an upgraded route as will our economy.
“This is the definition of a win-win project and can help take us from rails to recovery.
“We’ve started this process but we are picking up pace, and today is a first, critical stop, on our long journey.”
The report says journey times between Shrewsbury and Birmingham – passing through stations at Wellington, Telford, Oakengates, Shifnal, Cosford, Albrighton, Codsall and Bilbrook – would be cut from 56 minutes to 45 minutes.
The need to upgrade the line was highlighted last year after Network Rail was asked by the Government to draw up plans to remove all diesel-only trains by 2040.
The lack of electrification on the first stage of the line from Shrewsbury means that currently, trains travelling to London need to change engines at Birmingham, adding to cost to the train operators and delay for passengers
