Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Wednesday, 17th February 2021
The latest rail news on Wednesday, 17th February 2021
Minister Grant Shapps has told Transport for the North to hold off on submitting the business plan for Northern Powerhouse Rail until after the Government has published its report setting out how the scheme will link up with HS2 and other major infrastructure projects.
An article in the Yorkshire Evening Post says TfN planned to submit the strategic outline case for the multi-billion pound project to the Transport Secretary next month, but may now have to do several months of extra work on the document depending on the findings of the Integrated Rail Plan.
A DfT spokesman told the paper that they want to get this vital project underway as soon as possible and they have therefore asked TfN to submit their business case after the IRP to ensure the rapid alignment of plans and swifter progress.
A £200 million rail upgrade linking North Wales and the North West of England through a new super-hub at Chester can power a pandemic bounce-back boom in the region.
An article on Business Live says the investment would include £60 million to speed up the North Wales main line to Holyhead, £60 million to modernise and upgrade Chester Station and £80 million to connect Wrexham to Liverpool.
The proposed investment package will be presented at Regional Recovery 2021.
MPs have urged the Government to invest in a Midlands-wide ‘tap and cap’ smart ticketing system for public transport, to boost passenger numbers, convenience and safety post-COVID-19.
New research by transport body Midlands Connect, which helped to develop the plans, showed that nine out of ten people surveyed supported the scheme, while 61 per cent of respondents said that having a smart ticketing system in place would make them more likely to use public transport.
Finally, and work to refurbish the three land towers on Britannia Bridge, which links Anglesey and the mainland of Wales begins today.
The work will see the installation of support beams underneath the stone lintels at the top of the three towers along the bridge.
Photo credit: Network Rail
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