10 | MANE RAIL & INFRASTRUCTURE | JUNE 2018
New stations to pop up across the West Midlands
Blackpool North to Preston route reopened after
major upgrades
An impressive seven new stations will be opened across the West Midlands connecting thousands to attractions and shopping.
Shoppers will soon have easy transport to Merry Hill shopping centre allowing people from Wolverhampton to travel to the centre by train for the first time. Families will soon have easier access to days out at West Midlands Safari Park.
As part of the Great North Rail Project, works on a key rail route lasting 22 weeks have finished. During this time 11 station platforms were remodelled, 11 bridges were rebuild, 11,000m of track were replaces, 2000,000 overhead power lines were installed, 84 modern signals were installed and the drainage systems were upgraded. The new signalling system is hoped to improve performance and reduce the chance of delays. This re opening is later than expected due to severe weather and complications with critical machinery.