Jo Johnson, the Rail Minister in the UK, has visited the South West of England and has reminder passengers of the government’s commitment to improving the rail network in the region.

Jo Johnson has met with representatives from the Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF) and has welcomed the news that Network Rail is ready to launch the next phase of resilience work on the route between Teignmouth and Dawlish.

As many will know, the line between Teignmouth and Dawlish was badly damaged during storms in 2014. The government has provided Network Rail with more than £15 million to enable engineers to carry out investigations into how best to protect the line from the weather.

Great Western Railway is investing in 29 new Class 800 Intercity Express Trains which will cost £361 million and will serve the London to Penzance line from later this year.

Mr. Johnson also met with St Ives MP Derek Thomas, the reason for this was to discuss the movement of goods on passenger services between Cornwall and London.

What did the officials say?

Jo Johnson said:

We are investing in the biggest modernisation of the Great Western Railway since Brunel built it more than 150 years ago, giving passengers what they want: faster, more frequent and more comfortable services.

But it is vital we find a permanent solution to the problems at Dawlish because it is a crucial link for the people and the economy of the south west.

With funding from government, world-leading engineers have been carrying out detailed ground investigation to understand what is happening to the cliffs and coastline in 3 key areas around Dawlish and Teignmouth. These comprehensive studies are nearing completion, enabling Network Rail to show later this year how they will take the next steps to protect the railway line and coastline.

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