Network Rail prepares for Commonwealth Games
NETWORK RAIL is carrying out major works around Tyseley depot during a four-day closure of the Birmingham Moor Street to Solihull route from June 20-23.
The works are being done in advance of the Commonwealth Games, which take place in Birmingham from July 28 to August 8 this year, with a major influx of additional passengers onto the local railway network expected for the duration of the games.
The work being carried out by Network Rail will see a number of switches and crossings linked to Tyseley depot replaced as part of the £3 million project. The infrastructure company is keen to ensure that the railway can operate as reliably as possible during this time, with the investment also benefitting passenger after the games have finished. The project will also see new rails, sleepers and ballast laid around the depot, as well the removal of overgrown lineside vegetation and graffiti from trackside locations. The station at Birmingham Moor Street will receive a deep clean in preparation for the additional passengers using the station.
Network Rail’s Central route director, Denise Wetton, said: “We know there’s never an ideal time to close the railway and a mid-week closure for work like this is rare, but post-pandemic passenger numbers show that weekdays are now the least disruptive time to close the railway for vital work.
“This programme of upgrades will improve the network not only at Tyseley, but also throughout the wider West Midlands, providing passengers with a cleaner, fresher, more reliable railway throughout our major summer of sport.
“It will also help to reduce the risk of platforms becoming overcrowded as a result of the predicted one million extra passenger journeys during the Commonwealth Games.”
West Midlands Railway customer experience director Jonny Wiseman added: “These essential works will make a real, long-term difference to passengers by improving access to Tyseley depot where trains are cared for and refuelled.
“I would like to thank our customers for their patience while this work is carried out.
“I urge passengers travelling during this period to plan their journeys carefully as revised timetables and rail replacement buses will be in operation.”