News / Transport
MPs set to debate rail electrification plans
A controversial decision to put the electrification of the Great Western Railway around Bristol and Bath on hold will be debated by MPs later.
Earlier this month it was announced that plans to electrify two train lines in Bristol have been “deferred” after MPs called the cost of the project “staggering and unacceptable”.
The railway lines affected include those running from Bristol Parkway to Bristol Temple Meads, and from Bath Spa to Temple Meads, where work has already begun.
Work will continue as scheduled on the railway line from Bristol Parkway to Swindon and Cardiff.
Costs have spiralled from the original £874m estimate in 2013 to £2.8b.
The Government says it can run newer, larger trains on the route without the need for costly and disruptive electrification works.
But Bristol MP Charlotte Leslie says she is extremely concerned about the impact of the decision.
Secured debate in @UKParliament on Tues #electrification @GWRUK .SW must get rail improvements we so need. @BristolPost @bbcrb @bristol247
— Charlotte Leslie (@CLeslieMP) November 16, 2016
Read more: Which new railways do you want?
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