Bloxwich Signal Box To Be Demolished

Bloxwich's signal box has stood in its place for more than 50 years, but with the new signalling system controlled at Birminghams signalling centre, it means the old pull system will be no more, as all will be controlled by computer; this means all signal boxes between Walsall and Rugeley are set for the same fate.

The benefits to this is that the section between Walsall and Rugeley is to be electrufied, meaning overhead gantries and wires are to be installed, and with the new signalling system, it means better speeds for trains. At present, the limit on the level crossing for trains was 20mph, but this is to be increased in the future when all of the level crossing will cease to exist, making drivers use Central Drive as a way to get to Beechdale and Willenhall.

Network Rail contractors have been working just off the signal box for the last few weeks, presumedly preparing the section for light signals controlled by conputer, which will replace the levering system.

It means another historic part of Bloxwich will be flattened, but local benefits will be good for the town. Faster electric trains, longer platforms, stopping service between Manchester Piccidilly and Stoke could be extended to Birmingham, and serve Bloxwich, one of the Birmingham to Liverpool trains that is twice an hour, one could be used on the Walsall section, also serving Bloxwich area, and the use of electric trains has a faster acceleration compared to the current diesel trains used on the line. The 16 miles section between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley is expected to be wired up by 2017, with preperation work happening next year. For now, Walsall has a poor train service for such a large town, this will end soon with connections to more destinations.

Walsall set to benefit from rail electrification scheme.

Above: The left unelectrified line at Walsall station whilst the right is the electrified part from Birmingham that stops under the Saddlers shopping centre.

 

Walsall for many years now have had an electrified route between the town and Birmingham New Street. However, as the line north of the town towards Rugeley recently re-opened to passenger use in the early 1990's, that has not had any sort of electrification-until the upcoming future.

Announced in July 2012 as part of a £9 billion railway announcement, the Chase Line which runs between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley, has been granted £30 million funding to electrify this part of the line between the latter and Birmingham New Street. The 16 mile stretch will have the work begin to electrify the line between 2014-2019, and has a wide range of benefits for the town.

• Currently the line has been going through a speed upgrade from 45mph to 75mph.
• The level crossing at Bloxwich will close so trains can go through that section quicker.
• It was announced as part of the scheme that future services could include a through service to Liverpool Lime Street, allowing Walsall, Bloxwich and Bloxwich North to have more connections to more destinations.
• Faster services to and from stations; 4 car trains could be implemented onto the line in the future.

Currently, diesel trains are only permitted to use the line north of Walsall, but as the electrification scheme will go ahead, this would allow faster services and potentially used as a diversion for trains needing to get to/from Birmingham that can not use the Wolverhampton line to/from Stafford. Not only this but more seats can be used on the line and hopefully it will attract more passengers to use the trains instead of cars in the near future.

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