Passengers can once again travel by train between Stourbridge and Hagley after a huge recovery operation reopened the line today (22 August).
The first passenger trains travelled through the area this morning after more than a week of round-the-clock work to repair significant damage caused by fires.
More than 200 railway staff have been involved in the recovery effort, including engineers, technical specialists, arborists, signallers, train planners, project managers, operations teams and supply chain partners, working together to rebuild damaged infrastructure and restore services for passengers and the local community.
The wildfires, which started on 13 August, caused major damage to signalling equipment, telecommunications systems, drainage, lineside fencing, and neighbouring trees.
The Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said: “The devastation in Stourbridge was unprecedented and it has been a monumental effort by teams at Network Rail which have worked round-the-clock to reopen the railway this quickly.
“I know how important it will be for local people and the community and I want to thank everyone involved for making it happen.”
Denise Wetton, integrated managing director for GBR West Midlands, said: “Today is an important milestone for the Stourbridge community with trains running again following an enormous recovery effort.
“The damage caused by the wildfires was extensive, but we have done all we can to reopen the railway as quickly as possible, working tirelessly to complete the extensive repairs.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the fires and I would like to thank passengers, local residents, and businesses for their patience while we carried out these complex repairs.”
Recovery work has included replacing more than 3,000 metres of signalling power and data cables, repairing and replacing drainage systems, installing more than 1,500m of new fencing and boundary protection, replacing damaged signalling equipment, assessing fire-damaged trees, and carrying out extensive safety checks.
Although passenger services have resumed, repair work will continue in the area to fully restore fencing and drainage.
Passengers should check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk as there may be some changes to services while the railway fully returns to normal.
Image credit: Network Rail
