Essex: Rail Upgrade Worth £2.5 Billion
A major upgrade of the Great Eastern Mainline (GEML), which runs through Essex, could be worth £2.5 billion in economic benefits, according to a study out today
Greater Anglia, which runs services on the GEML, is releasing the study as part of its work to build a case for investment for the line.
The report suggests:
- The remodelling of Bow Junction near Stratford (to provide additional capacity in/out of London);
- The provision of a new three-tracked section at Boreham, north of Chelmsford.
- Raising line speeds between London Liverpool Street and Norwich to a maximum of 125 mph, with associated infrastructure improvements;
- Refurbishing or replacing the intercity rolling stock on the Norwich - London intercity services; - Refurbishing or replacing commuter rolling stock.
Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs for Greater Anglia said: "We are committed to working with our partners in the region to secure significant upgrades for train services in East Anglia. "We have already delivered a number of enhancements in the ten months since our franchise began, including some notable initiatives (such as better weekend services on the GEML) achieved through closer working from our alliance with Network Rail.
"It is clear that this collaborative approach, allied with a strong, evidence-based business case is the best way to try and ensure we gain the investment necessary to realise passengers and stakeholders' future aspirations."
The study is being launched with members of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex County Councils all present along with Greater Anglia and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.
Network Rail is funded in five year periods, with the next one running from 2014 until 2019 and most of that money has already been allocated.
Mr Denby says the next stage for the campaign is to try and influence the Government to give additional funding or try and use some of what has already been pledged He said: "Unless we make that impact in the next year or so the risk is we don't see significant changes until the next decade."