Wales' Transport Minister Edwina Hart has announced a £44m scheme to improve north south rail journey times and increase capacity between Wrexham and Chester.
Following a review, a £44m scheme has been agreed with Network Rail to be delivered by spring 2015.
The revised scheme will involve a significant doubling of the existing single line between Wrexham and Chester and line speed improvements.
This will reduce north south journey times by 16 minutes.
Mrs Hart said: "I am pleased that we have been able to agree a scheme that will reduce journey times between north and south Wales and deliver increased capacity between Wrexham and Chester.
“This new scheme will meet our objectives and provide value for money. It will ensure more people in north east Wales will be able to benefit from the improved rail links to the rest of Wales delivered by the Welsh Government.”
The revised scheme will involve a significant doubling of the existing single line between Wrexham and Chester and line speed improvements.
This will reduce north south journey times by 16 minutes.
Mrs Hart said: "I am pleased that we have been able to agree a scheme that will reduce journey times between north and south Wales and deliver increased capacity between Wrexham and Chester.
“This new scheme will meet our objectives and provide value for money. It will ensure more people in north east Wales will be able to benefit from the improved rail links to the rest of Wales delivered by the Welsh Government.”
Aled Roberts, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for North Wales has given an enthusiastic welcome to today’s announcement.
He said: "This is excellent news for the region and comes as a result of sustained pressure on the Minister to make sure that the proposals for rail improvements went ahead as planned.
“The recent talk of a review caused a great deal of concern over whether the scheme would go ahead, but I am delighted with today’s news.
“This amounts to a £44 million scheme for investment in the region’s rail infrastructure and today’s result is testament to what can be achieved when we work together to ensure that north Wales’ interests are protected."
“Improving the rail network between Wrexham and Chester, and cutting journey times along the way, is good news for our regional economy and I look forward to the works being completed.”
Clwyd South AM Ken Skates said: “I am delighted with the confirmation the Minister has given that this redoubling work will now be going ahead. It’s important this piece of infrastructure investment is undertaken for the benefit of commuters and businesses in my constituency.
“Improving the rail network between Wrexham and Chester, and cutting journey times along the way, is good news for our regional economy and I look forward to the works being completed.”
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