In The News | 6th July 2022 | Latest Rail News

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InTheNews: The latest rail news on Wednesday, 6th July 2022

A £39 million funding bid to improve access to three railways stations is to be submitted to the government.

An article on the BBC website says North Yorkshire County Council hopes to secure money from the levelling-up fund for projects in Thirsk, Scarborough and Seamer.

The schemes include a new “transport hub” in Scarborough and a new footbridge and car park in Seamer.

If the bid is approved the council hopes to start work by the end of March 2023.

A bold and ambitious strategy aimed at securing a sustainable future for light rail in England, Scotland and Wales has been welcomed by government ministers.

Published this week by UKTram, following engagement with the Department for Transport, the landmark strategy document draws on expertise from across the sector to build a compelling case for tramways and similar transit systems, highlighting the benefits that existing networks already deliver.

Launched with support from Transport Ministers Grant Shapps and Baroness Vere, it also marks an important milestone for the sector’s representative organisation as it strives to forge a fresh approach to overcoming barriers to the expansion of the sector.

Network Rail engineers are on track to begin work renewing the railway in Penge Tunnel, between Brixton and Beckenham Junction, where the line will be closed for nine-days at the end of this month.

Engineers will be working around the clock to replace almost two and half miles of track inside the huge 1.25-mile-long tunnel in South London, Saturday 23 July until Sunday 31 July.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s Kent route director, said: “This will be a challenging task as the tunnel is over a mile long, but the benefits will mean less maintenance will be needed in future as the track and components will be newer, meaning fewer faults and smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers.”

Avanti West Coast has become the first train operator to join a prestigious network of world-leading experts and facilities aiming to revolutionise rail travel.

The intercity operator is now part of the UK Rail Research Innovation Network (UKRRIN) – an initiative designed to create collaboration between academia and the rail industry.

Led by the University of Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), UKRRIN aims to provide a step-change in innovation in the sector.

The network provides its members with access to the latest facilities and research from experts across the industry to support the development and adoption of new solutions and technologies.

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