New signalling at Shrewsbury paves way for increased capacity

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The upgrade of the signalling system in the Shrewsbury area will now enable trains from the Hereford and Cambrian lines to travel via platform 3. 

The enhanced capability will help ease congestion on the line, bringing a more reliable service to passengers.  It also spells an opportunity for more trains to operate between Hereford and Shrewsbury and the Cambrian Lines to Shrewsbury, catering to any potential passenger growth in the future.

In addition, the new infrastructure will pave the way for more capacity and better performing rail services on the North-South Wales rail link.

Mike Gallop, principal programme sponsor, Network Rail said: “Britain relies on rail.  The number of passengers traveling through Shrewsbury station has grown by around 25% in the last five years and the station now serves around 1.6m passengers per year.

“As the railway continues to grow, we will need to create flexibility on the railway and more importantly, room to cater to future demand.  This effort underscores our commitment and the importance to invest in the future of our railway.”

On top of this investment, Shrewsbury station has also benefited from a series of upgrades, including new electrical system, real-time customer information system, CCTV and a new lift at platform 3. 

Network Rail is also currently working with Arriva Trains Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government to further improve the station with new lighting, paint, canopies and waiting facilities to provide passengers with a clean, bright and secure environment.

The new signal is an upper quadrant semaphore. Signals in the station area consist of a mixture of upper and lower quadrant semaphores along with colour lights. These are all operated from mechanical signal boxes.

A Wrexham and Shropshire train arrives in Shrewsbury. Picture: www.upmain.com

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