Chester-Wrexham-Shrewsbury Line Study
It was announced on 6 March that a study is to be undertaken into the further development of the Chester – Shrewsbury rail line.
Subsequently, the Chester-Shrewsbury Rail Partnership announced that consultants Scott Wilson Railways Ltd have been commissioned to carry out a full line study of the Chester-Wrexham-Shrewsbury railway line.
Over the past five years, passenger numbers along this line have increased by 300%, with an increase of 30% since the introduction of a full hourly service in December 2005.
The Partnership is working with The Welsh Assembly Government, TAITH (the public transport joint board of the six county authorities in North Wales), Wrexham County Borough Council, Cheshire County Council, Shropshire County Council and Arriva Trains Wales to establish the future potential for rail travel along the line.
The brief given to the consultants includes identifying costs and solutions for increasing the capacity on the single track section between Saltney Junction and Wrexham and to establish if there are sites that would form sound business cases for new stations.
Other factors being investigated include current freight usage and future predictions, analysis of the market for rail, and the ongoing development of integrated and sustainable transport.
The Community Rail Officer, Sheila Dee explained that the study would form the basis for informed planning for the future development of the Chester-Wrexham-Shrewsbury rail line:
“The Chester-Wrexham-Shrewsbury line is an important part of the UK rail network and there has been substantial investment in stations along the line in recent years. In addition, the timetable has been improved to provide an hourly service from each of the six stations along the line, from early morning to late night. Direct trains have been introduced from each station to Birmingham, Cardiff, Holyhead and the North Wales coast,
“We now want to examine future demand for travel and freight along the line, along with the opportunities to improve the facilities and services provided and the costs involved, while ensuring that the line continues to offer a competitive alternative to the car.”
The consultant’s study is expected to be finalised in late summer.
Questionnaire
As part of this study a
12 point questionnaire has been sent to key stake holders in the line. The supporting text refers to the Study specifically looking at: options for line speed improvements, options for double tracking the single line section or providing one or more loops, full station appraisals at both current stations and possible station sites and a comprehensive analysis of the freight requirements and possible expansion of the line.Perhaps readers would consider what their response might be to the aspects covered. Simple ‘Yes/No’ answers should be avoided in preference for qualified comments to justify the selected options.