Welsh Secretary welcomes Network Rail’s modernisation plan for Wales
The Secretary of State for Wales David Jones has welcomed a £1 billion investment in Wales's rail network over the next 5 years.
The Secretary of State for Wales David Jones has welcomed the publication of Network Rail’s strategic business plans today [Tuesday 8th January 2013].
The plan confirms that almost £1 billion will be invested in Wales’s rail network over the next 5 years, with Network Rail also laying out its 10 year modernisation strategy for the entire network across Wales.
In the biggest investment that Wales’s rail networks have seen since the Victorian era, Network Rail has also committed to re-signalling lines across Wales, beginning with the routes from Flint to Llandudno and from Newport to Shrewsbury. This will mean faster journeys between North and South Wales, reducing costs and increasing capacity for passengers.
David Jones said:
A modern rail network in Wales is crucial for the growth of our economy and I am pleased that Network Rail, with whom I have a close relationship, have confirmed their 10 year modernisation programme for Wales today.
As a regular rail user, I know that the re-signalling of many rail lines across Wales can only be good news for all passengers and I am particularly pleased that the important north-south line links will be some of the first to be upgraded. The Newport to Shrewsbury re-signalling also marks the start of the build programme for electrification of South Wales mainline which we announced last year.
The confirmation that the mainline route between London and Cardiff will be electrified by 2018, reducing journey times and helping to make Wales a more attractive place to do business is particularly welcome.”
##Notes for editors
Read in full Network Rail’s strategic business plan