Posted 6th September 2023 | 2 Comments

Updated rail plans for West Midlands revealed

An updated strategy for railways in the West Midlands over the next 30 years has been published by the West Midlands Rail Executive. The first version was published in 2018, and the updated plans take into account the Covid pandemic and the increasing attention being paid to net zero. The WMRE had carried out a fresh consultation before unveiling its proposals. They include the Midlands Rail Hub as well as a train service between Lichfield and Burton-on-Trent, which would use an existing freight line. This would include a new station on the route at Alrewas, which lost its station in 1965. Another new station is proposed at Aldridge.

Rail Wellbeing Live

Registration has opened for the biggest free wellbeing event for the rail industry. The fourth Rail Wellbeing Live will take place over three days from 7 November. The sessions are free, and they include evening sessions for staff on night shifts. The speakers will include TV personality and campaigner Davina McCall, Olympic rowing champion Sir Steve Redgrave and physician and mental health adviser Dr Alex George.

Railway Industry Association appointments

The Railway Industry Association has appointed a new chair and vice chair for its London & South region. The new chair is Ryan Anderson from Ricardo Rail and the vice chair is Bryony Goldsmith from Arcadis. RIA chief executive Darren Caplan said: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Ryan and Bryony as the chair and vice chair for the RIA London & South Leadership Group. Their vast experience and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly drive positive change.’

Reader Comments:

Views expressed in submitted comments are that of the author, and not necessarily shared by Railnews.

  • Neil Palmer, Waterloo

    The problem with running trains to Snow Hill (then presumably on through Moor St) is many want connections from New St. The same problem that will happen with Curzon St.
    And it's very short sighted not to have a connection from the HS lines into Curzon St into the lines into New St, to allow fast services from Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield (if the latter two are ever built) to Bristol, Cardiff, etc. - and also so Cross Country could possibly use the HS lines for part of their services.

  • david C smith, Bletchley

    One facet of capacity problems in the West Midlands is regarding the two main stations.On the one hand, New Street is running at or near capacity, whilst Snow Hill has space / platforms to spare.

    There are two points along the Stour Valley line, where extra connections could be installed , to enable trains from Wolverhampton ( High Level) to access the ex - GWR northern approach into Snow Hill. It might even result in trains from Aberystwyth / Wrexham / Shrewsbury to run straight on to Paddington or Marylebone !