Double-tracking line to Kenilworth to boost train services could cost over £100m

By James Smith 11th Oct 2024

Local MP Sir Jeremy Wright has called for the line to Kenilworth to become double-tracked (image by West Midlands Railway)
Local MP Sir Jeremy Wright has called for the line to Kenilworth to become double-tracked (image by West Midlands Railway)

Increasing the number of trains to Kenilworth could cost in excess of £100 million, a report set to be discussed by councillors next week has revealed.

Coventry City Council will discuss updates to the 'Coventry Transport Strategy' which includes over 60 projects across the region.

Included in the report is the plan to improve the connection from Coventry Station to Kenilworth, Leamington and Nuneaton.

The scheme could see services along the Elephant & Bear Line increase to two trains per hour.

But the report says for this to happen, the line would need to be double tracked between Coventry and Leamington.

The scheme, not expected to get underway until at least 2027/28 could cost well over £100 million.

Funding is hoped to be secured from Midlands Connect and Rail Network Enhancement Pipeline.

Midlands Connect is expected to lead on the project.

Plans to expand the service on the line were included when the strategy was first approved back in 2022. Councillors are set to discuss updates to the various projects - of which there are none for the Kenilworth scheme - next week.

MP for Kenilworth and Southam Sir Jeremy Wright has continued to call for the line to be double-tracked.

In the run up to the July general election he said "My next priorities would be the double-tracking of the line between Leamington and Coventry that will open up more destination options from Kenilworth Station, and continuing the work I have been doing to provide a cohesive network of cycling and active travel routes in the constituency."

     

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