Wednesday 20 December 2017

Electrification: a reminder of what could have been

This posting was inspired by an official Network Rail media release headed "Severn Tunnel modernisation" sneaked out last year:

Autumn 2016
We’re working to transform the Severn Tunnel. The130-year old structure will close for six weeks from 12th September – 21st October 2016 to allow us to install electrical equipment that will ultimately power the new passenger trains.
The new fleet of electric trains will mean faster, quieter, greener, more reliable journeys between Swansea and London. With reduced journey times and more seats, journeys will be more comfortable for passengers.
The railway is set to be electrified from London to Cardiff by 2019 and to Swansea by 2024.[My emphasis]

Under the coalition Cardiff would have been electrified by the end of this year and Swansea soon thereafter.

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