Along with the NHS and the postal service, it’s fair to say the UK’s rail network has been buckling under the strain of bad management and under resourcing this winter. I’m constantly sent tweets from frustrated Avanti West Coast mainline customers whose trains whose trains have been cancelled. As someone who has to split their time between Stalybridge and London for work: I hear you.

There have also been a number of major issues with the services on the TransPennine line of late. Please be assured I am putting the pressure on the operator. I met with them last Friday and passed on all the concerns constituents have raised with me. Of course, we have long been promised investment in electrification which is hoped to reduce issues in the future. I wanted to give Reynolds Roundup readers some detail of how this longer term work on the state of the infrastructure is improving. You can also watch my video discussing the situation here.

The key details are as follows:

• The electrification of the Manchester to Stalybridge section will be complete by 2024. This should mean faster and more reliable services.
• The full TransPennine Upgrade programme and electrification of the line to York will continue right up until 2041, but as each section of the line improves reliability and journey time will improve too.
• The TransPennine Upgrade programme is a key enabler of the more ambitious Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, so none of this work limits or prevents the more ambitious approach Labour want for this line if we win the next election.
• Station improvements are still being considered, but I will be continuing to campaign for the three key things I think we need. Firstly, a new front at Stalybridge which opens up the arches; secondly, a new bridge at Stalybridge as the gateway into the town; and thirdly, a fundamental improvement at Mossley, including fully accessible platforms for all.

As part of the key electrification work, a 26 day blockade will occur from the 11 March this year. Nobody ever wants to hear the words ‘Rail Replacement Bus’ (I have groaned out loud myself many times), but we do need this engineering work for the long term benefit it will bring. It is obviously vital you are able plan around this so work, study and leisure are disrupted as little as possible. You can full details of the alternative arrangements can be found on the Network Rail website: https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/26-days-of-major-rail-upgrades-in-stalybridge-passengers-urged-to-check-before-they-travel

Proper rail infrastructure and investment is critical to protecting and growing the Northern economy. I will continue to badger the powers that be until we have the service we deserve.