Cut backs announced to troubled GWML electrification project

The four elements to be deferred are:

• electrification between Didcot Parkway and Oxford

• electrification of Filton Bank (Bristol Parkway to Bristol Temple Meads)

• electrification west of Thingley Junction near Chippenham to Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads, and

• electrification of the Henley and Windsor branch lines.

While the DfT continued to invest £2.8bn in the GWML electrification programme from London to Bristol Parkway and Cardiff, between £146m to £165m is expected to be saved by these deferrals in this spending period.