ELECTRIFICATION work is proceeding on the Walsall to Rugeley Trent Valley route, with 25kV AC catenary masts now appearing along the line, writes Simon Poole.
The 15-mile line across Cannock Chase is being electrified at a cost of more than £100million, and was closed for 16 days between August 13 and 28 to allow reconstruction work to proceed undisturbed.
During the blockade, track was due to be replaced and realigned at several locations along the route, and platforms were to be rebuilt at Cannock, Landywood and Bloxwich.
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Other work included the erection of many more masts and gantries and piling to install the foundations for the remaining OHLE masts.
Once the work is complete in 2018, electric trains will be able to run north of Walsall for the first time, providing another electrified link from the West Midlands to the West Coast Main Line.
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