Decision details

Skelmersdale Rail Link - Strategic Outline Business Case

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Purpose:

In March 2017, having assessed the technical feasibility of constructing a rail link between the Wigan to Kirkby line and Skelmersdale, Network Rail was commissioned to undertake Governance for Railway Investment Projects Stage 2 (GRIP2) refresh and GRIP3A feasibility study by Lancashire County Council and Merseytravel.

 

To enable a better understanding of overall project cost Network Rail, as part of GRIP 3A process, are to provide an Anticipated Financial Cost Estimate. There is also a requirement to undertake some further high level highways design and impact assessment work to compliment the rail study.

 

The next stage of the project development would be to complete a strategic outline business case to Department for Transport requirements and submit to Transport for the North for consideration in future statutory advice to the Secretary of State with regard to the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline. 

 

The strategic outline business case will confirm whether or not the project is affordable, including consideration of whole-life cost issues, whether it can be delivered in a reasonable timescale, whether it will provide value for money and, on this basis, whether to proceed to detailed design and implementation.

 

Decision:

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

 

Divisions Affected: Skelmersdale Central; Skelmersdale East; Skelmersdale West;

Contact: Andrew Varley Email: andrew.varley@lancashire.gov.uk Tel: 01772 533336.

Date of decision: 16/05/2019

Effective from: 22/05/2019