News / Mark Bradshaw
Track expansion to give faster rail services
Faster, more reliable rail services into and out of Bristol have been promised after work was announced to start on doubling capacity between Temple Meads and Parkway stations.
Known as the ‘Filton Four Tracks’ project, the number of lines between the two stations will be increased from two to four through Stapleton Road and Lawrence Hill.
Network Rail said the work, costing £33million and due to start in December, would “mean that passengers, residents and businesses in Bristol will benefit from an increase in services, reduced journey times and quieter, greener trains”.
Assistant mayor Mark Bradshaw added the work brought the long-demanded Henbury Loop line – which connects Avonmouth, Shirehampton, Sea Mills, Lawrence Weston and north Bristol – a step closer.
Andrew Haynes from Network Rail said: “It’s great news that we are now only a matter of weeks away from the start of work on this vital upgrade.
“The doubling of the tracks between Temple Meads and Parkway stations, together with our work to electrify the Great Western Main Line, will mean that passengers, residents and businesses in Bristol will benefit from an increase in services, reduced journey times and quieter, greener trains.”
Cllr Bradshaw added: “This will support the new faster electric services to London and South Wales, the vital connections towards Birmingham and HS2, and new capacity for growing our local MetroWest passenger and extra freight services.
“There will be disruption but the longer-term benefits will be considerable. Network Rail, the Department for Transport and our partnership of local authorities in the West of England area are committed to working together to make this happen.”
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