Rail Infrastructure
The Great Eastern Main Line Rail Taskforce met today [27 March 2018] to discuss how key strategic infrastructure projects can benefit from the Government’s newly announced Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP) process. The RNEP process has been introduced by the Department for Transport to provide a framework for people looking to secured investment in major rail projects to follow. The GEML Taskforce has called for investment in rail infrastructure to improve journey time and reliability, including upgrades to the Trowse Swingbridge and Haughley junction and passing loops north of Witham and will working on updating its rail prospectus to strengthen the case for investment.
Speaking after the meeting the Chair of the Taskforce Priti Patel MP said:
“The Taskforce is now looking at the new opportunities available to secure funding for investing in the new infrastructure the rail network needs. A few years ago we published a rail prospectus which made a strong case for investment. With increased housing growth and changes to the economy in the region now is a good time to update our data and put forward an up to date economic case.”
“The Taskforce has been successful in influencing the new rail franchise which will include changes to the timetable and the roll out of new trains next year. But there is more work to do and we are focusing our efforts on building a robust case for new investment in the infrastructure so we can all benefit from fast and more reliable rail services. Investing in the rail network will help secure new jobs and growth for the whole region and MPs, businesses, and local councils are all working together with one voice.”