Local Rail Improvement Works To Start Today

Major improvements to the North – South rail link which are the result of a £44m Welsh Government investment leading to more trains and faster journey times will begin today.

Local Government and Government Business Minister Lesley Griffiths, who chairs the ministerial task force on modernising North Wales transport, will mark the start of the work at Rossett.

The £44m scheme will deliver significant improvements between Wrexham and Chester, with claims it will cut journey times between Holyhead and Cardiff and allowing an extra train to run every two hours between the two stations via Wrexham.

The Minister will also visit Rhyl station which is undergoing a £2.6m refurbishment including the reconstruction of the ticket office, improvement of the waiting rooms and platform shelter, modern toilet facilities and refurbishment of the footbridge, as well as improved CCTV and lighting. The work at Rhyl is part of a programme of station improvements across Wales which is backed by funding from the Welsh Government, European Regional Development Fund and Department of Transport.

Lesley Griffiths said: “Modern and efficient transport links are vital for the economic prosperity of Wales. Today marks the start of major improvements backed by significant Welsh Government funding which will result in faster journey times and more trains between North and South Wales.

“In my role as chair of the Ministerial task force on modernising transport in North Wales I have met with stakeholders and transport providers from across the region, and I know they will welcome today’s development as the work begins on major improvements to the link between North and South Wales.”

The work to be carried out as part of the £44m improvements includes:

• Line speed improvements between Shrewsbury and Gobowen, and Rossett and Chester (Saltney Junction)
• Re-doubling of line between Rossett and Chester (Saltney Junction), a distance of 5.5 miles (or 8.8km)
• Re-modelling at Saltney Junction
• Improved signalling & telecoms between Shrewsbury and Gobowen
• Additional signalling & telecoms between Wrexham and Chester (Saltney Junction)
• Upgrade of three Level Crossings between Wrexham and Chester (Saltney Junction)
• Alterations to Level Crossings between Shrewsbury and Gobowen
• Alterations to structures and earthworks between Rossett and Chester (Saltney Junction)

The work is expected to be completed by early 2015.

PIC: The A483 with the railway line alongside that is due to be redoubled.