One of the most congested parts of the UK’s railway network is getting an upgrade. Officials say the area is also one of the most complex.
Network Rail says the railway through central Birmingham is inadequate to meet future passenger demands.
But, a proposed Midlands Rail Hub aims to increase capacity at Birmingham Moor Street station, which will be adjacent to the new HS2 station at Curzon Street.
The plan would also reduce congestion on key rail corridors from central Birmingham.
Network Rail said in an update on its website: “We have identified that the most cost-effective option to increase rail capacity in central Birmingham is to construct new railway to connect the Camp Hill line to the Chiltern main line which will allow more trains to use Birmingham Moor Street station.
“The new railway is critical to the wider Midlands Rail Hub programme, unlocking existing capacity constraints in central Birmingham. The project would also provide future opportunities for improved journeys further afield.”
Officials are aiming to “maximise value for money” and ensure travel is affordable for rail users and taxpayers.
Earlier this year, Network Rail teams successfully electrified the line between Kettering and Wigston.
This allows for “greener and quieter journeys” along the Midland Main Line.
This is part of the multi-million-pound Midland Main Line upgrade.
The Midlands Rail Hub consists of a West Chord, improvements between Bordesley and Moor Street, allowing access to Birmingham Moor Street from South-West and Wales, and improving services on the Hereford and Worcester corridors, and East Chord.
This will create access to Birmingham Moor Street from the East Midlands.
Other plans for engineering upgrades listed by Midlands Connect include:
- Snow Hill platform 4
- Moor Street platform 5
- Improvements around Kings Norton-Barnt Green
- Stoke Works junction
- A Malvern Wells turnback facility
- Ledbury – Shelwick partial double-tracking
- Moor Street platforms A and B (east side)
- Bordesley viaduct widening
- Water Orton remodelling
- Nuneaton to Wigston signalling headways
- Freight loops between Nuneaton and Leicester
