Asked by: Dan Poulter (Conservative - Central Suffolk and North Ipswich)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what timetable is in place for the replacement of Trowse Swing Bridge on the Great Eastern Main Line.
Answered by Claire Perry
The Initial Industry Plan (IIP) for the England and Wales rail network will be presented to Government in September 2016. On the basis of the findings of the Anglia Route Study, I anticipate that upgrades to Trowse Swing Bridge will feature in the IIP. During 2017, the Government will provide an indication of which elements of the IIP it wishes to fund from 2019.
Asked by: Dan Poulter (Conservative - Central Suffolk and North Ipswich)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what changes he plans to make to level crossings.
Answered by Claire Perry
The Department is continuing to develop its response to the Law Commission’s recommendations on the reform of level crossing legislation in conjunction with stakeholders.
Our Level Crossing Reform Action Plan, copies of which are available in the House library, explains the steps that we are taking and includes an indicative timetable for completion of this process.
Asked by: Dan Poulter (Conservative - Central Suffolk and North Ipswich)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timetable is for the construction of extra track on the rail line between Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel and Witham in Essex.
Answered by Claire Perry
The Initial Industry Plan (IIP) for the England and Wales rail network will be presented to Government in September 2016. On the basis of the findings of the Anglia Route Study, I anticipate that an additional section of track north of Witham (also known as a “looping facility”) will feature in the IIP. During 2017, the Government will provide an indication of which elements of the IIP it wishes to fund from 2019.
Asked by: Dan Poulter (Conservative - Central Suffolk and North Ipswich)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timetable is for the reconstruction of Haughley Junction and adjacent track on the Great Eastern Main Line.
Answered by Claire Perry
The Initial Industry Plan (IIP) for the England and Wales rail network will be presented to Government in September 2016. On the basis of the findings of the Anglia Route Study, I anticipate that upgrades in the vicinity of Haughley Junction will feature in the IIP. During 2017, the Government will provide an indication of which elements of the IIP it wishes to fund from 2019.
Asked by: Dan Poulter (Conservative - Central Suffolk and North Ipswich)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his plans are for new trains on the Great Eastern Main Line; and what the timetable is for the implementation of those plans.
Answered by Claire Perry
The East Anglia franchising competition will drive a review of the rolling stock required to operate train services on the new franchise. The inclusion of new rolling stock will score very highly on the franchises that are currently being tendered and we look forward to receiving innovative and affordable propositions from bidders.
Asked by: Dan Poulter (Conservative - Central Suffolk and North Ipswich)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Abellio Greater Anglia on taking steps to improve the Great Eastern Mainline Service from London to the East Anglian region.
Answered by Claire Perry
Officials are in regular dialogue with Abellio Greater Anglia and are monitoring a range of actions and investments in rolling stock modifications aimed at improving performance and reliability. Abellio Greater Anglia are also in the process of refurbishing the carriages on London – Norwich services, bringing a new ambience for passengers including LED lighting and laptop power sockets to complement the existing on-train WiFi.