Completion of Improvement Works on Wrexham to Chester Railway Line Pushed Back to 2017

Completion multi-million pound project which will redouble and ‘substantially improve’ the railway line between Wrexham and Chester, has been delayed until 2017.

Major improvements to the North – South rail link, which have been funded by a £44m investment by the Welsh Government included doubling the rail track between Rossett and Saltney junction.

The seven mile stretch of railway will run between Wrexham General and Saltney Junction. The plans say it will enable trains to travel at 90mph in some sections and offers the distinct possibility, although not certainty, of increasing the frequency of services along the line.

The project, which began in June 2014 was scheduled for completion in November 2015. However improvement works have been continually delayed in recent months, much to the frustration of passengers.

Today it has been confirmed that Network Rail will carry out the final commissioning work during late March and early April 2017.

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood received confirmation from Network Rail of the delays to the scheme after concerns were raised to him by local rail users wanting to know when the new track layout will be brought into use.

Speaking of the response from Network Rail, Mr Isherwood said: “I am delighted that a date has now been given, although it is disappointing it has taken so long. Last October the project appeared nearly complete, with two lines of track in place and a lot of infrastructure done.

“Local rail users told me that at that time the Network Rail Project Engineer was saying that the work would be completed on time and on budget and passengers had expected trains to be using the two tracks during last winter.

“They further told me that work came to a stop when it was discovered that signalling cable needed replacement – something outside of the Network Rail budget for the job despite the £44m allocated by the Welsh Government . The delays have been incredibly frustrating for passengers who travel between Wrexham and Chester.”

He added: “Whilst the new track might only allow one extra train per hour between Wrexham and Chester, it will provide extra rail capacity to handle trains when there is delay on the line. Conclusion of the project will reduce inconvenience for passengers who otherwise have to wait at Wrexham for a train to clear the long section before the next one proceeds.

“Rail users have told me that the continuing delays are causing frustration and they are concerned that the benefits from this commissioning are unlikely to be released until later in 2017.

“I will be keeping a close eye on progress, ensuring that my constituents aren’t further let down.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are delivering a project, funded by Welsh Government, to improve journeys between North and South Wales.

“We have been liaising with the train operators and local authorities to secure the required track access to deliver the final commissioning of the project, which has now been agreed. In Spring 2017 the new signalling equipment will be commissioned and we will be completing work to increase the line speed.

“We will continue to update passengers, the local community and elected representatives of our progress as we work with our industry partners to reduce journey times and enable more trains to run between North and South Wales, as well as delivering significant safety improvements to four level crossings between Wrexham and Chester.”