The strategy, initially published in 2018, sets out how to maximize the benefits of High Speed 2, support the region’s net-zero carbon ambitions and proposed a coordinated plan for the enhancement of existing services and the development of new rail infrastructure, including new stations and new rail lines.
Several projects are already being delivered including five new stations – three on the Camp Hill Line in Birmingham and two on the Walsall to Wolverhampton Line, as well as the redevelopment of Coventry, Wolverhampton, University and Perry Barr Stations. Plans for a station at Aldridge are also in development.
The West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) has, following extensive consultation, revised the strategy to take account of the considerable work already undertaken over the Past five years and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, including changes in travel patterns.
The revised Rail Investment Strategy puts forward a coherent vision for improvement and development of the region’s rail network over the medium to long-term.
The strategy includes the removal of diesel trains from the network by 2040, delivery of net zero operations by 2050, and supporting further line electrification. “We strongly support a rolling program of electrification and are working closely with Network Rail on its prioritization process for the West Midlands,” the strategy noted.
The key immediate electrification priorities for the West Midlands region are:
- Snow Hill Lines (Stratford/Leamington – Birmingham – Worcester – Great Malvern)
- Nuneaton – Birmingham
- Sutton Park Freight Line (Including services to new Aldridge station)
- Camp Hill Line, Bromsgrove – Droitwich Spa and fast/freight lines between Kings Norton and Barnt Green
Followed by:
- Nuneaton – Coventry – Leamington – Oxford/London Marylebone
- Nuneaton – Leicester – Cambridge/ Felixstowe
- Wolverhampton - Shrewsbury
- Oxford - Worcester - Hereford
The strategy also outlined how new trains will be required to support electrification or other decarbonization schemes. WMRE outlined how it will work closely with its partners in the Department for Transport (and subsequently Great British Railways) and the rail industry to develop the right rolling stock strategy for the region.
Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and WMRE chair, said, “Rail has an absolutely central role to play in our region’s success. New rail links and stations generate jobs for local people and prosperity for local communities. At the same time, by providing a sustainable car alternative, rail helps us to tackle the climate emergency and meet our #WM2041 net zero commitment.
“Since the first strategy was published five years ago, we’ve made tangible progress – drawing in more than £200m in funding for new and redeveloped stations.
“Alongside our own substantial program of investment, it’s vital for the West Midlands that both HS2 and the Midlands Rail Hub are completed, providing the much-needed extra capacity required to improve services for residents right across our region and give them a rail network that is truly fit for the future.”
To read the full West Midlands Rail Investment Strategy 2022-2050 report, click here.