Transportinfo.org.uk - today's transport news in the uk, hand picked for you each morning

Thursday, 25 February 2021

Daily Record

• Ayrshire train services halted by sea sprayNetwork Rail engineers have arrived on site to carry out an assessment.

Conservative Party

• Chris Loder: Our rail industry is a sleeping giant when it comes to boosting international tradeAs Brexit negotiations have concluded, the Government is working hard to both protect and expand British industry by creating a future of new opportunity through trade negotiations. When developing a new independent trade policy, it is crucial that we prioritise sectors in which we are global leaders and create the best framework possible to help them remain that way in a post-Brexit world.

Birmingham Mail

• Midlands reveals £400m plan for road, rail and metro servicesThe region is asking Chancellor Rishi Sunak for funding for improvements including a new platform at Snow Hill station and improvements to the A45

Birmingham Post

• Wrexham, Deeside, Cardiff, Newport and the Valleys identified as key areas for economic growth in WalesSwansea Bay and Llanelli also make up the list on the Future Wales plan for the next 20 years
• Midlands transport chiefs submit £400m wishlist to ChancellorMidlands Connect outlines its funding hopes ahead of the Budget as it seeks to drive economic growth across the region through improved rail and transport infrastructure

Bristol Live

• Contractors sought in major step to open new Portishead rail lineA formal tender process for the design and build contract for the rail link is due to be completed by end of year

Metro

• Thousands still refusing to wear face masks on public transport in London Thousands of people in London are still refusing to wear masks or face coverings on public transport, data suggests.

The Press and Journal (Aberdeen)

• New images show extensive flooding as Highland train services cancelled for fourth dayAreal images released by Network Rail show the ongoing flooding near the Inver Viaduct area that has forced the closure of the railway line near Perth and Pitlochry.

Yorkshire Post

• Prime Minister denies 40 per cent cut to Transport for the North's budget despite board papers claimPrime Minister Boris Johnson has denied that a northern transport body will be subject to a 40 per cent cut in its budget, despite official documents claiming the opposite.

Kent Online

• Network Rail £3.5 million investment on footbridge and canopy at Dover Priory StationRefurbishment and repair work at Dover Priory, by Network Rail, will increase the lifespan of the bridge while providing an upgraded canopy roof on the platforms to keep passengers dry in the rain.

Other Regional Press

• Plans for rail link between Witney and Oxford to be submittedHOPES of a rail link between Witney and Oxford are back on track, with a proposal set to be submitted to the Government.
• Take a train from 2026 says CllrOfficial optimism about a new station for Wellington is at its highest level, with an overwhelming business case going forward to the government’s New Stations Fund in May. “We’re on target to get on a train at Wellington in 2026,” said Cllr Mike Rigby, the district council portfolio holder for transport who is leading on the scheme.
• Video shows stunning space-age interior of completed Paddington Crossrail stationIt’s one of London’s most famous stations - built by engineering giant Isambard Kingdom Brunel - and even gave its name to one of the most popular bear’s in children’s literature.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Millions invested into West Midlands railway improvementsMore than 6km of railway track is being replaced across the West Midlands as the rail industry works together to build back better after the coronavirus pandemic.

New Civil Engineer

• Making the case for independent travelHearing the news that a fellow visually impaired traveller lost his life after falling off the edge of a train platform makes me shudder. Just 12 months before that accident, I found myself in a similar situation but improved communication and better understanding could prevent others being put at risk.
• £200M rail plan tabled to link Merseyside and North WalesA £200M plan to upgrade and extend existing rail lines and stations has been tabled to improve links between North Wales and Merseyside.

Railway Technology

• Network Rail to commence £1.2bn upgrade work next weekThe UK’s Network Rail has announced that it will commence the upgrade work, worth £1.2bn, on the East Coast Main Line next week.

Other News Sources

• No trains to or from London King’s Cross this weekend due to £1.2bn upgrade workThere will be no trains to or from London King’s Cross, Moorgate or St Pancras International via Finsbury Park this weekend while upgrade work is carried out. 
• Cost of railway station upgrade set to double to £7mPlans to upgrade a railway station are now estimated to cost more than double the original estimate of £3.5 million.