Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Tuesday, 5th December 2023
InTheNews: The latest rail news on Tuesday, 5th December 2023
A masterplan which envisages the design and redevelopment of railway land and new homes around Cardiff Central Station has been launched.
An article on Insider Media Limited says Network Rail is leading on the master planning process, working alongside Cardiff Council, Transport for Wales and Rightacres.
It aims to regenerate and open up the site of more than ten acres, improve connectivity and bring forward homes with a new mixed-use neighbourhood.
One of the UK’s top light rail executives has been appointed as the new chair of Midland Metro Limited (MML), the operator of the West Midlands’ expanding tram network.
With more than 30 years’ experience in senior roles across the sector, Phil Hewitt is no stranger to the region, having previously served as Metro director at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) ahead of the launch of tram services through to the Library of Birmingham in 2019.
He said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role at such an exciting time for the region’s tram system, with the construction of two new lines already well underway.”
Rail passengers are facing disruption on services between Bournemouth and Southampton Central due to urgent repairs on the track.
An article on the BBC website says Network Rail Wessex said a cracked rail at Brockenhurst level crossing had been found overnight.
Work to replace 63ft (19.2m) of rail are underway but it means trains are unable to run on the line.
The rail operator said it expected disruption on services to continue until 12:00 GMT.
The site of the next set of tunnels to be bored by two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) due to build HS2’s tunnels under the capital were blessed by a local priest, on the day celebrating the Patron Saint of Tunnellers and Miners, St Barbara.
Father Timothy Gorham of Ealing Abbey and Benedict’s Parish Ealing led the blessing ceremony, swapping traditional church garments for orange hi-vis PPE worn for safety on construction sites.
The priest blessed both portals of the twin bored tunnel where two TBMs, named Emily and Anne after notable local women, are being prepared for launch in the new year. He also blessed two statues of St Barbara which will be placed at the tunnel portal entrance, to protect the underground tunnellers as they work.
Photo credit: Network Rail
