Written question asked by Mike Amesbury (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 July 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 July 2023 (named day). It was answered by Huw Merriman (Conservative) on Monday, 10 July 2023 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Mid-Cheshire Line: Northwich

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the line speed over 20 miles per hour on the Mid-Cheshire Railway Line at the Weaver Viaduct in Northwich.

Answer: The Department has provided £44.1billion to Network Rail over the next Control Period (2024-29) for the operations and maintenance renewals budget. They will use this funding to monitor asset conditions and renewal opportunities including Weaver Viaduct. It is for Network Rail rather than the Department to make an assessment. The Department is supporting local partners on options to enhance the route including line speeds; these proposals are not funded as they are in early development and are subject to normal business case approvals.

Secondary information