MORE ELECTRIFICATION MILESTONES: FIRST EMU ON CHASE LINE AS SHOTTS FORMALLY COMPLETED

摘要

THE FIRST electric train operated through to Rugeley on the Chase line on 7 April, ahead of the start of electric passenger services with the May timetable change. The section north of Walsall to Rugeley Trent Valley has been electrified by Network Rail in a project costing more than £100 million, featuring the erection of wires on 51 km of track and complete reconstruction of six road bridges. West Midlands Trains' No 323217 was the first electric train on the newly-wired stretch, departing Birmingham New Street at 16.45 and reaching Rugeley Trent Valley at 17.47, before returning at 17.52. A similar test using a Class 350 EMU was due to take place on 14 April, ensuring both types of train can operate satisfactorily on the line.