Your chance to have a say on north Wales rail modernisation proposals

The public are being asked to have their say on Network Rail proposals to modernise the railway across North Wales.

Plans being considered include the electrification of the North Wales Main Line and new interchange station at Shotton

A study which looks at the railway has been drawn up by the Welsh Government, the Department for Transport and train and freight operating companies.

Options identified by the study include:

• Development of a new interchange station at Shotton.
• Further network capacity enhancements between Wrexham and Chester.
• Improved line speeds between Wrexham and Bidston for connections to Liverpool.
• Modernisation of the North Wales Coast Main Line between Crewe and Holyhead.
• Improved line speeds on North Wales Coast Main Line.

Tim James, head of strategy and planning for Network Rail Wales, said:

“Our railway is carrying almost 50 per cent more passengers than we were 10 years ago and that number is predicted to grow significantly in the years ahead.

“Work we are already doing over the next five years will make a huge difference, including electrifying parts of the railway and installing new signalling to help deliver improved reliability and the potential for more and faster journeys. There is still more to do to meet future demand.

“The Welsh Route Study Draft for Consultation sets out a number of investment choices for funders to meet increased passenger and freight demand, including a major redevelopment of Cardiff Central station and plans to modernise the railway across North Wales. Investment across the route will help to improve journeys for passengers and help to build a bigger and better railway that Wales and the borders can be proud of.”

The public consultation period will close on 9 June 2015, you can have your say here: Welsh Route Study – Draft for Consultation