A major recovery operation is underway to repair significant damage to the railway caused by last week’s wildfires in Stourbridge.
The route, between Stourbridge Junction and Hagley, is a vital link for communities across Stourbridge, Kidderminster, and the surrounding area.
It was badly damaged after the fires which devasted parts of Stourbridge last Thursday (August 13).
Network Rail engineers carried out extensive investigations over the weekend, revealing major damage to signalling, phone lines, and lineside fencing.
Repairs started on Monday (August 17) but the scale of the damage means they will take some time, with teams working throughout this week to fix the railway.
The aim is to fully reopen the railway between Stourbridge Junction and Hagley on Saturday 22 August.
Denise Wetton, integrated managing director for GBR West Midlands, said: “Our thoughts remain with those impacted by these devastating fires. We know how important this line is for local communities and are doing all we can to help Stourbridge residents and reopen the railway as soon as possible.
“Our teams carried out extensive assessments over the weekend, revealing significant damage. We will continue to work throughout this week to make repairs, with the aim of reopening the line on Saturday (August 22).
“I’m grateful to our customers for their patience during this challenging time. As we work to return to a normal service in the coming days, I’d advise customers to plan ahead and check before they travel.”
Birmingham to Kidderminster services are running between Birmingham and Stourbridge Junction only. Rail replacement buses are operating between Stourbridge and Kidderminster, calling at Hagley and Blakedown.
Worcester to Hereford services are running as scheduled, while Birmingham to Worcester services are subject to alteration.
The latest travel information is available at www.nationalrail.co.uk
