How The UK Is Improving Regional Connectivity

Disjointed travel, slow commute times and low capacity. These are just some of the problems faced by users of the regional rail network.

Areas such as the North of England and Wales are struggling to attract new businesses and talent as a result of these poor connections. In order to unlock the huge potential of these areas, the rail network must improve.  A 2017 report by HS2 Ltd found that world-leading skills and research in the North and Midlands match those of London and the South-East, but graduates are unable to reach the same opportunities, driving them to relocate to the South.

Better connectivity will enable businesses to gain access to new markets and attract skilled workers. And in many cases, this shift is already happening. The technology industry, for example, is growing faster in the North than anywhere else.

So What Is Being Done?

Progress is being made on both small, local levels and on a national scale to connect UK economies. In Wales, for example, Network Rail is working with local delivery partners to integrate the railway with all public transport to create a seamless journey for commuters.

So, rather than arriving on the train and having to wait an hour for the next bus, the bus network will use real-time information to meet incoming passengers. Network Rail hopes to combine this approach with single-ticket journeys and enhanced disabled access to improve their passenger experience.  

High Speed 2

On a larger scale, big projects such as HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail are working to connect major cities and create more opportunities for the regional workforce.

HS2 will serve around 30 million people and 25 stations. High-speed routes in and out of London will even out the balance between North and South and make it easier for businesses to attract local talent. The UK scheme hopes to follow the success of lines in Taiwan and France, for example, where increased connectivity has redistributed economic growth by attracting and creating high-value job opportunities.

Improving The Resilience Of Regional Rail

Improving, fortifying and maintaining the existing regional network is of crucial importance. In many places, local businesses are dependent on one railway line to receive goods and attract customers. Regional lines face a different set of risks to inner-city rail, including severe weather and wildlife interference.

Case Study: Conwy Valley Line

The Conwy Valley Line (ELR LTJ1) has been running between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog since 1879. Originally destined to carry slate, today 6 trains a day serve the residents and local businesses who are reliant on the line to make their living.

Train at Llandudno station, Source: Wikimedia commons

The line’s low-lying position beside the river Cowny makes it susceptible to flooding. In March 2019 the line was severely damaged by over 129mm of rain in 24 hours. The result was catastrophic with over 100 washouts and track left suspended in areas where the ground beneath had fallen away completely.

Network Rail was quick to respond. Contractors were on site within two weeks of the event, planning and designing as they worked. Beyond just fixing the damage, Network Rail took the opportunity to fortify the line against future flooding. Adopting the slogan ‘A railway fit for 2019, not 1879’ they undertook expansive hydraulic modelling and placement of culverts in the riskiest areas.

When the area was tested by storms again a few months later, these parts were left undamaged. Water drained away from the track and houses beyond to be redistributed over farmland.