Transport for Wales has put a £1.8 million upgrade to stations on the Wrexham-Bidston train line out to tender. The North East Wales Station Improvements Project is inviting bids to carry out major upgrades to 13 stations along the Borderlands Line, with work set to begin in October this year.

The project is expected to be completed around April 2026, and the stations included are Wrexham Central, Gwersyllt, Cefn-y-Bedd, Caergwrle, Hope, Penyffordd, Buckley, Hawarden, Shotton, Hawarden Bridge, Neston, Heswall and Upton.

Upgrades will include replacing the existing customer information screens with new, improved models and installing enhanced CCTV systems to improve surveillance, including coverage of new Sheffield stand bike-locking hoops and passenger shelters.

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The plans also involve the supply and installation of new equipment cabinets, cycle shelters, Sheffield stands, concrete bollards, general bins and recycling bins, black bow-top fencing, platform seating and enclosed Voyager shelters.

A full switch of all station lighting to energy-efficient LED units is also included in the proposals. Each station will be repainted and given updated station signage.

Tender applications must be submitted via the Sell2Wales portal by 19 September.

This investment forms part of a wider £13 million investment by the Welsh Government – led by Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates MS – to improve rail and transport infrastructure across North Wales.

Projects being considered include enhancing rail connections between Wrexham and Liverpool, investigating the possibility of a railway station serving Deeside Industrial Park, doubling services between Wrexham and Chester as well as Wrexham and Bidston, and introducing contactless payments across the network.

Last month the ECHO reported on how new services connecting Liverpool to North Wales including a direct link between the city centre and Wrexham have taken a significant first step.

It was announced in May how the Welsh Government wants to use a £2bn investment to strengthen ties between Liverpool and Wales’ newest city with the development of additional rail lines.

Then, Mr Skates said: “Two governments, working in partnership, will deliver this key part of the Network North Wales.

“Network North Wales is about delivering an integrated, high-frequency public transport network, connecting people to jobs, opportunity, community and a better quality of life.

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