Electrification programmes on the Midland Main Line and TransPennine routes have been “paused” to allow Network Rail to make up ground on its trailing CP5 programme.
Network Rail chairman Richard Parry-Jones is also stepping down to be replaced by London’s Transport Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy.
“Current work on electrification will be paused. Because we need to be much more ambitious for that route,” said Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin, speaking about Transpennine Express.
He added: “On the Midland Main Line better services can be delivered on that line before electrification. With things such as speed improvement works. So work on electrification will be paused.
“I want it to be done and done well. It will be part of our future plans for the route.”
In its latest performance analysis report, the ORR suggested that a number of projects were facing delays, with Network Rail missing more than a third of planned milestones in the current five-year funding period.
The report claims that the network’s electrification and signalling renewal programmes are significantly behind schedule.
Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne said: “I recognise that these delays will cause disappointment for some passengers for which I can only apologise.”
He said that it was unfortunate that after a review of some of the projects showed that Network Rail’s enhancement programme was now larger than the current CP5 budget.
“I welcome the fact that the Transport Secretary has asked Sir Peter Hendy to work with me and my team to develop proposals for re-planning the programme over the next few months.”
So schemes affecting the south of England (and a bit of South Wales) proceed, while those within the north of England, or connecting to the north of England, are paused. And HS2 will not go further north than Manchester/Leeds. So much for the Northern Powerhouse!
As the electrification for the Midland Main Line and North West is paused it could jeopardize the transfer of the Class 319’s to be stopped until electrification can continue with the Class 319’s to be transferred to Northern Rail and First Great Western as part of the GWML electrification. Plus the Gospel Oak-Barking electrification is due to start late this year with the extension of the Barking Riverside that is to be extended next year.