A new study reevaluates the potential to reopen the Stratford to Honeybourne railway line, assessing its economic benefits.
Stratford station is now a dead end, and the level crossing is also gone. Supporters argued rail would boost the economy and believed this outweighed costs and objections. The study will be discussed next month at the SDC.
When the project failed to get government support, focus shifted to improving existing services. These services went to Birmingham and Leamington. Traffic problems persist, alongside new housing plans, while discussion about the Honeybourne link continues as part of a wider transport strategy.
The Stratford Integrated Transport Strategy mentions the link. The Town Transport Group prepared the strategy, and the district council will discuss it on Monday. The report stated another study is nearing completion, and this study suggests heavy rail reopening has the best case.
A council person said the study started in March 2024 and a steering group commissioned this. The steering group includes councils and the rail operator. The Shakespeare Line Rail User Group supports reopening, but they aren’t part of the steering group.
Peter Morris chairs the Rail User Group and is encouraged by the report’s conclusion. He believes restoring a traditional railway makes the best business sense and welcomes the objective confirmation.
Morris thinks a heavy rail reopening is very helpful and that housing growth increases passenger demand. This makes a strong argument for the railway, as he believes infrastructure is key for better transport and supports more connectivity.
The council couldn’t give details on the study or how strong the “best” case is. The outline business case will be considered at the meeting on March 10th at 10 AM at Elizabeth House, Stratford.