§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the amount of money earmarked for refurbishment of the(a) Holyhead-Chester-Crewe and (b) Wrexham to Bidston rail routes; and if he will make a statement. [118192]
§ Mr. HillThe Department understands from Railtrack that
(a) around £3 million is committed for renewals on the Holyhead-Chester-Crewe rail route, principally to increase the line speed from 75mph to 90mph where practical and install Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS). Additionally, it is expected that around half of the £62m of new rolling stock being delivered to First North Western Trains over the next few months will be running in and around this area.(b) around £1 million is committed for renewals on the Wrexham to Bidston rail route, principally to install TPWS and improve stations and track.