Busy Shropshire rail line shut for signalling upgrade

Replacement buses have been laid on for passengers planning to use the line in both directions between Shrewsbury and Crewe while work, which is expected to run until December 6, is carried out.

Some direct rail services will be diverted to Crewe via Wrexham General while the route is closed.

It is part of Network's Rail plane to modernise signalling equipment on the line, which forms part of the major route between Cardiff and Manchester.

Work started on the line in February and so far has been carried out overnight to cause the minimum of disruption.

Rail enthusiasts have backed the plan, saying it is vital that investment is made in the railways.

The signal box at Gresty Lane in Crewe will be taken out of use and signalling control will be moved to Crewe's central control centre. The new signalling equipment will connect with the modern signalling system already in use at Nantwich and Crewe.

Replacement buses will stop at all stations between Shrewsbury and Crewe, including Yorton, Wem, Prees, Whitchurch in Shropshire and at Wrenbury and Nantwich across the Cheshire border.

Paul Danks, project manager for Network Rail, said: "The railway is vital to the region's economic health, so it's equally vital that we continue to invest to make services better for passengers.

"The work we're carrying out as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan will see us replace old, outdated equipment to provide safer, more reliable train services for people in the region."

Martin Bond, chairman of Crewe and Shrewsbury Passenger Association said: "We are very pleased that National Rail is continuing to invest in our line making all these improvements. Hopefully it will help lead to a better train service."

Claire Lillie, spokeswoman for Arriva Trains Wales, said: "We are asking customers to check their journey plans, especially those who bought their tickets in advance, as there have been some delays in adding the timetable amendments into the booking systems that were unfortunately beyond our control.

"The bus service will add extra time to the journey and we regret that dogs – except guide dogs – cycles, prams and large items of luggage cannot be carried on replacement bus services."

Customers can get the latest information from Arriva Train Wales at arrivatrainswales.co.uk/journeycheck or National Rail Enquiries at nationalrail.co.uk