Stourbridge trains back on track after wildfire recovery effort
Railway line reopens following extensive repairs
Train services have resumed between Stourbridge and Hagley following a major recovery operation after extensive wildfire damage.
The railway line reopened today, 22nd August, allowing passenger trains to travel through the area for the first time in over a week.
A team of more than 200 railway staff worked round-the-clock to repair critical infrastructure damaged by wildfires starting on 13th August.
The fires caused significant damage to signalling equipment, telecommunications systems, drainage, lineside fencing, and trees.
Take a look at the damage caused in this photographs from Network Rail.
Stourbridge fire on the railway
The Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said: "The devastation in Stourbridge was unprecedented and it has been a monumental effort by teams at Network Rail which have worked round-the-clock to reopen the railway this quickly.
"I know how important it will be for local people and the community and I want to thank everyone involved for making it happen."
Denise Wetton, integrated managing director for GBR West Midlands, said: "Today is an important milestone for the Stourbridge community with trains running again following an enormous recovery effort.
"The damage caused by the wildfires was extensive, but we have done all we can to reopen the railway as quickly as possible, working tirelessly to complete the extensive repairs.
"Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the fires and I would like to thank passengers, local residents, and businesses for their patience while we carried out these complex repairs."
The recovery work involved replacing more than 3,000 metres of signalling power and data cables, repairing drainage systems, installing over 1,500 metres of new fencing, replacing damaged signalling equipment, and performing safety checks on fire-damaged trees.
While passenger services have resumed, repair efforts will continue in the area to fully restore fencing and drainage.
Passengers are advised to check for potential changes to services at www.nationalrail.co.uk as the railway returns to normal operations.