£500k funding boost to help develop and progress rail projects in Wrexham

£500,000 is to be invested in developing and progressing “important rail infrastructure” projects in Wrexham, it has been announced.

The Welsh Government funding, which was unveiled today by Transport Secretary Ken Skates, will allow the completion of development work to upgrade the Wrexham North Junction as a priority project.

This will enable improved journey times from Wrexham General station going north, allowing trains to pass through the single line section up to Rossett more quickly, which will also contribute towards enabling increased frequency of services.

The investment is also being used to consider a range of other interventions that can further support increased services. These include improvements to signalling and associated infrastructure as well as level crossings in the area.

Mr Skates said it is the Welsh Government’s “clear ambition to see improvements for the benefit of rail users and this funding will ascertain what can be delivered for that exact purpose”.

He continued: “I am delighted Welsh Government investment will support Transport for Wales to develop and progress these vital projects with the aim of increasing the frequency and improving journey times of trains operating through the Wrexham area.

“This is yet another great example of the steps we are taking a responsible government and again highlights the historic underfunding by the UK Government in our rail network who have spent just 1.5 per cent of their rail infrastructure budget in Wales, despite it accounting for 11 per cent of the track in England and Wales, since 2011.

“Welsh Government investment is improving transport infrastructure in North Wales and comes on the back of my recent announcement of the development of a new Transport and Business Hub to totally regenerate the area around Wrexham General Station.

“We are delivering a boost to the local economy, stimulating new growth opportunities and building a stronger transport network in the region.”

In July 2018 Wrexham.com reported that “game changing plans” to develop a new transport and business hub to regenerate the area around the Wrexham General Station had been unveiled.

The new Transport and Business Hub will see the Welsh Government work alongside Wrexham Council, Wrexham Glyndwr University and Transport Wales to help regenerate the Wrexham General Station area.

Speaking at the time Councillor Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, described the plans as a “potential game-changer” that will have a “massive impact on our economic future” in Wrexham.