The Government’s response to a report by the Peninsula Rail Task Force shows commitment to extreme weather resilient modern railway for the south-west, says St Austell and Newquay MP Steve Double.
The response, released yesterday said:
Improving the resilience of the South West Peninsula is part of the biggest overhaul of the Great Western route since Brunel started work on the line more than 175 years ago, with £5.7 billion being invested in modernising the line and improving journeys for passengers. Central to this vision are upgrades to stretches of railway that run close to the sea through Teignmouth and Dawlish, safeguarding their future against damage as when storms washed away part of the line at Dawlish in 2014.
The government has already provided £15 million for Network Rail to design a long-lasting solution to this problem, in addition to the £40 million spent by Network Rail to repair the damage caused in the 2014 storm.
Commenting: Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:
“We are investing in the biggest modernisation of our railway network since Victorian times, providing faster, more reliable and more frequent services for passengers across the country.”
“The 2014 storms caused devastation to Dawlish and huge disruption followed. It has been a key priority since I became Transport Secretary.”
“That’s why we’re investing in the infrastructure of the region – making it easier for people to get around and better connecting the south west to the rest of the country. And that’s why sorting out the route through Dawlish is my number one national rail priority.”
Commenting, Steve said:
“I am pleased with the Government’s response to a report by the Peninsula Rail Task Force, which shows its commitment to an extreme weather resilient modern railway for the south-west.”
“Going with recently announced funding for projects like £79m for the A30-St Austell link road in Mid-Cornwall, this is proof the Government is investing in south-west infrastructure like never before.”
“I am proud to be part of this Conservative Government that is delivering the investment we need, and will continue to work to ensure Cornwall gets its fair share in the future.”
From the summer, passengers will be also able to take advantage of 29 Intercity Express trains running from London to Penzance. The new bi-mode trains will provide faster, more comfortable and more reliable services, adding an additional 1000 peak time seats compared to today.
Other improvements include:
- the start of a two-train per hour service between Plymouth and Penzance.
- the end of ‘Pacer’ trains
- free Wi-Fi on all GWR trains
- substantial car park extensions at stations across the peninsula including a completed scheme at Tiverton Parkway and further schemes at St Erth and Taunton
- investment of £9 million to update the Cornish sleeper service
- instructing GWR to examine how the line between Exeter and Okehampton could see the reinstatement of regular train services.