But reopening the train line with a link to the airport could cost over £500 million.
Trains could run between Grand Central Station and Belfast International Airport every 20 minutes under plans being considered by transport officials.
But Translink says reopening the Antrim–Lisburn train line with a link to the airport could cost over £500 million. The figure was revealed as the company revealed key insights into four major rail feasibility studies aimed at enhancing Northern Ireland’s rail network.
It also includes restoring the Portadown–Derry~Londonderry line with stations at Dungannon, Omagh and Strabane~Lifford; restoration of the Portadown–Armagh line and electrification from Belfast to the border.
READ MORE: MP hails “exceptional” response to open letter calling for reopening of the Knockmore train lineREAD MORE: MLAs debate Belfast airport rail link plan ahead of autumn decision
The studies were conducted by Translink, in partnership with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and supported by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), has announced the findings of feasibility studies for four key rail schemes aimed at enhancing Northern Ireland’s rail infrastructure.
Since it closed for operational services in 2002,, there has been long-standing support for reinstating the Knockmore rail line, which would reconnect Crumlin, Glenavy and Ballinderry and extend the service to Belfast International Airport.
The route from Antrim connecting to the existing network at the proposed Lisburn West halt is approximately 18.5 miles. Whilst the single-track line has been retained for engineering trains, it’s currently not suitable for passenger services.
The study has confirmed that a full track renewal and lineside management is required to bring the infrastructure up to the modern standards to enable a fast, frequent, and modern rail service.
Line speeds of up to 90mph are possible with the potential for services to operate from Belfast Grand Central Station via Lisburn, with up to three trains per hour in each direction.
Demand forecasting indicates a potential one million additional journeys per annum would be created by the line’s reopening.
A new rail connection to Belfast International Airport is a key driver for the project. Several options have been developed within the study, including a rail spur from the mainline towards the terminal, or an interchange station located on the existing line with connecting transit to the terminal.
Subject to planning approval, new halts could be constructed at the airport, Crumlin, Ballinderry and Glenavy. All proposed stations would require full reconstruction due to their existing condition.
The construction of a third platform at Antrim is also proposed to enable smooth interchange with services on the Derry~Londonderry line. Designs for the proposed halt at Lisburn West have been future proofed for the reopening of the Lisburn to Antrim line
In terms of cost, the report states: “The capital cost to re-open the line will vary depending on the final service pattern selected, the airport connection, and in particular whether the line is re-opened with overhead line electrification (OLE) or using alternative traction.
“In today’s prices, the capital cost estimate (inclusive of risk allowances typically applied at the early stages of projects) ranges from £300m (non-electrified) to over £500 million with full OLE infrastructure installed. The costs allow for the procurement of additional rolling stock to operate services and new stations.
“More detailed cost estimates will be developed as the project progresses, including exploration of opportunities to phase the delivery of the scheme. The estimate to undertake the on-site surveys, design work, planning and development to reach the next major milestone, the Outline Business Case (OBC),is £10-15 million. Additional government subsidy is likely to be required to operate the service following the line’s reopening.”
Commenting on the report, Stormont’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “Integration with cross-border services and the proposed enhancements set out as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review will help to enable seamless travel across Ireland, strengthening economic and social ties and ensuring that there is enhanced connectivity across the island.”
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive added: “These strategic schemes will be vital to realising a more modern, sustainable, and better-connected rail future for Northern Ireland, shaping a network that reflects the needs of today and the aspirations of tomorrow.”
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