Major boost to North Wales Mainline services confirmed
The Welsh Government has confirmed plans to significantly boost capacity on the North Wales Mainline by 2026.
Transport for Wales will increase rail capacity by 40%, with the introduction of 50% more timetabled services, supported by an £800m investment in brand new CAF trains and the recruitment of additional drivers and train crew.
Changes at a number of level crossings are required to be able to operate these additional services on the line.
To support this, Network Rail and Transport for Wales are jointly undertaking a programme of local consultation, planning and development work to close four level crossings along the North Wales mainline.
Proposals being considered include a temporary footbridge, and in future a permanent, accessible footbridge near Pensarn closing two footpath crossings, with a similar approach at Prestatyn, closing two nearby crossings and removing a temporary speed restriction.
Meanwhile, Network Rail and Transport for Wales are continuing to engage with stakeholders and the local community on the permanent closure of a footpath crossing the branch line in Deganwy.
‘Firm plans’
Speaking on a visit to Flint station, Transport Secretary, Ken Skates said: “I’m delighted that we now have firm plans in place to deliver this massive increase in rail capacity for North Wales. These safety upgrades will enable Transport for Wales to significantly increase connectivity with many more services and a real transport choice for communities in North Wales.
“It shows what partnership working can deliver: at industry level through Network Rail and Transport for Wales, and with a UK Government in Westminster working collaboratively with the Welsh Government.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens added: “Working alongside the Welsh Government we are determined to make major improvements to rail services right across Wales.
“The unlocking of increased rail capacity in North Wales is just the beginning and we will continue to work together to transform services for passengers for generations to come.”
At Flint station the Cabinet Secretary saw a range of station improvement to transform the station for passengers.
These include upgrades to shelters, waiting rooms, toilet facilities and a new seating area as well as the installation of a new fully accessible footbridge – providing step free access at the station for the first time.
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English Whitehall overseer WS Jo Stevens claims she working alongside the Welsh Government Oh, sure. I think she meant, working the Welsh Government, from behind that is. So I take the rail electrification of the North Wales line is dead in the water? This Labour announcement of investment sound very much like when the Conservatives lied to the Welsh electorate after they promised rail electrification between Swansea & Cardiff only to win the election, renege of a manifesto pledge, and what did voters get in return? I can recall they were promised spaceage Trains. And what did they received? Carriages… Read more »
The electrification of the NWML was never seriously a project and the rail magazines seemed to suggest that £1 billion might have got it as far a Rhyl. There was no plan it was a co thought up as they cancelled the HS2 line north of Birmingham..
Only independence will rid Wales of Westminster colonisation and its poodle Parliament in the Bay.
Is this coming from the promised £50 million for North Wales while the TFSW gets 1 billion + ?
If the small investment does increase the capacity and frequency of the trains in short order, then hopefully passenger numbers rise and more investment can be demanded.
No mention of plans to reduce the number of trains on the Machynlleth to Pwllheli line.
Why are they obsessed with tinkering at the margins with what is already in place? £800m would probably be enough to reconnect Mold, Denbigh and Caernarfon back to the network ( easily 50k+ people if catchment areas and other settlements along routes are considered), or reopen the entire route from Bangor to Carmarthen. I doubt many people who live along the North Wales Coast mainline (a rebranding I’m just now aware of – funny that) are clamouring for more frequent services, and so why not throw those with nothing in the way of rail connectivity something for once? Transport in… Read more »