Commuters in Stone can have their say on plans to “revolutionise” the West Coast Mainline with proposed £200 million improvements to a junction near the town.
Network Rail wants to revamp the Norton Bridge junction, which it describes as “like a roundabout in the middle of the M6”. Trains on the slow line to Crewe and the North West currently have to wait while those on the fast line to Stone and Manchester cut across their track.
Network Rail thinks it can solve the problem by building a 5km flyover at Norton Bridge for Stone and Manchester trains. Senior project manager Dominic Baldwin said it would make services faster, more reliable and more punctual for commuters, including services from Stone station (pictured).
Three options have been put forward for consultation and Network Rail staff will be on hand to answer questions at two venues in Stone this month. Consultation events are being held at:
Walton Community Centre, Whitemill Lane, Monday 15th November, 3pm to 8pm
Yarnfield Village Hall, Meece Road, Tuesday 16th November, 3pm to 8pm
Construction is planned to start in 2014 and last for two years.
For more information, email staffordconsultation@networkrail.co.uk, call 08457 114141 or log on to www.networkrail.co.uk/stafford-nortonbridge
