Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of building a second Severn Tunnel or bridge specifically for rail services.

The strategic planning functions within Network Rail and Transport for Wales are considering the future capacity requirements of the South Wales Mainline. Their advice will be provided to the Wales Rail Board to inform the prioritisation of the government’s investment in Welsh rail services. Initial findings indicate that predicted future growth of services can be met through incremental upgrade of existing infrastructure.