Asked by: Jessica Morden (Labour - Newport East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish a timetable for the development of the (a) strategic outline case, (b) outline business case and (c) full business case for the electrification of the North Wales Main Line.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
We are working closely with the rail industry to develop the Government priorities outlined in the Prime Minister’s Network North announcement, which includes an unprecedented £1 billion investment to fund the electrification of the North Wales Main Line. We are in the early stages of establishing the next steps for the North Wales electrification scheme, including the costs and programme for development and delivery. We will share further information when that work is complete.
Mar. 21 2024
Source Page: DCMS: Senior officials' expenses, hospitality, meetings Q3 23/24Found: Return Nil Return Ben Dean 2023-11-28 1 Statford Upon Avon, UK UK Sport- PLx 2023 Awards and Conference Rail
Asked by: Louise Haigh (Labour - Sheffield, Heeley)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Euston Quarter development referred to in Network North, whether that project has entered the Rail network enhancements pipeline; what the project's Project Acceleration in a Controlled Environment stage is as of 16 January 2024; when approval was granted to enter that stage; and whether entry to the next stage will be granted.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Following the Network North announcement on 4 October 2023, we are upping the ambition of the Euston redevelopment, to create a transformed ‘Euston Quarter’. We are going to deliver a reduced 6-platform HS2 station, which can accommodate the HS2 trains we will run to Birmingham and onwards and which best supports regeneration of the local area. We will update Parliament on the progress on developing the proposal for the Euston Quarter, including providing updated schedule and costs estimates, through our regular six-monthly reports.
While the new HS2 station and associated ‘Euston Quarter’ development does not form part of the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP), the first phase of the Redevelopment of Euston Conventional Station (RECS) will remain part of the RNEP Portfolio. This first phase of RECS focuses on redeveloping and expanding the existing Network Rail station concourse to meet forecast future demand.
Asked by: Peter Gibson (Conservative - Darlington)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the £139 million investment in Darlington railway station on (a) Darlington and (b) the North East.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Through provision of additional through and bay platforms, the decision to provide £105m of Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline funding to deliver the Darlington Station Enhancements scheme will provide direct benefits to rail users throughout the North-East through journey time and reliability improvements. When combined with complementary investment from Tees Valley Combined Authority – who are delivering a multi-storey car park and public realm improvements – the scheme will also generate wider economic benefits to Darlington.
Feb. 01 2024
Source Page: Aberdeen To Central Belt Stakeholders Group Meetings: FOI releaseFound: support line speed in creases and minor journey time savings immediately north of Perth.
Feb. 01 2024
Source Page: Tap-in, tap-out train travel is on track for the West Midlands and Greater ManchesterFound: Tap-in, tap-out train travel is on track for the West Midlands and Greater Manchester
Asked by: Jamie Stone (Liberal Democrat - Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to improve rail connections between England and the north of Scotland.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Cross Border Connectivity is a priority for the Department, the Department is committed to ensuring that passengers are able to travel by rail between England and Scotland.
Investment in timetable improvements and new infrastructure will enable faster and more frequent services on the East Coast Mainline improving rail connections between England and Scotland. Officials from the Department are in contact with their counterparts at Transport Scotland.
LNER provide a daily train service each way – the Highland Chieftain – between Inverness and London King’s Cross serving Aviemore, Perth, Sterling, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and Peterborough.
Asked by: Jessica Morden (Labour - Newport East)
Question to the Wales Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) the Secretary of State for Transport and (b) Network Rail on the potential impact of Control Period 7 funding on (i) rail services and (ii) the condition of rail infrastructure in Wales.
Answered by David T C Davies - Secretary of State for Wales
My officials and I have regular discussions with counterparts in the Department for Transport and Network Rail on a wide range of transport matters in Wales.
Between 2024 and 2029, the UK Government will be providing a record £44.1 billion settlement for Network Rail in Control Period 7 across England and Wales. This £44.1 billion settlement is roughly a 4% increase in real terms when compared to the previous control period.
The UK Government is committed to improving rail infrastructure in Wales and has allocated £1 billion to electrify the North Wales Mainline, delivered the £76 million electrification of the Severn Tunnel, contributed £144 million to the upgrade of the Core Valley Lines and provided £77.7 million for improvements to Cardiff Central Station.
Asked by: Lumsden, Douglas (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party - North East Scotland)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what economic impact assessment has been carried out in relation to any potential delay to the north east rail improvement project to reduce rail travel times between Aberdeen and the central belt by 20 minutes.
Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Minister for Transport
No economic assessment has been carried out in regard to any potential delay to the Aberdeen – Central Belt Enhancement Project. An economic assessment of the impact of the proposed delivery, including cost and programme, of the Aberdeen – Central Belt Enhancement Project will be undertaken as part of the Outline Business Case assessment for the project.
Feb. 26 2024
Source Page: Local leaders to receive £4.7 billion to transform transport across the North and MidlandsFound: Local leaders to receive £4.7 billion to transform transport across the North and Midlands