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Journey by Journey => Swindon to Gloucester / Cheltenham => Topic started by: Lee on October 01, 2007, 15:00:55



Title: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on October 01, 2007, 15:00:55
Here is the latest on this (link below.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/7021498.stm

Quote from Andrew Griffiths :

"At the moment, it's rather like traffic lights, you have to wait for one lot to go before the lights change to let the other lot go,"

Here is a background link.
http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=600.msg1796#msg1796


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on December 28, 2007, 11:00:56
Network Rail sounding positive - but still no committment (link below.)
http://thisissomerset.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=147472&command=displayContent&sourceNode=242195&contentPK=19377882&folderPk=113662&pNodeId=251478


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on January 18, 2008, 17:50:06
Following a meeting of its investment board, Network Rail has decided not to invest in the plans until more research is done (link below.)
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=19589068&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

The announcement has sparked fears that the project will be scrapped altogether.

Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said the decision was a "betrayal".

"Network Rail has been stringing commuters along for months believing they might see an improvement to their service through the dualling of the track," he said. "Their hopes have now been dashed."

First Great Western spokesman Chris Mitchell said: "We're still investigating how to bring the project into fruition. It hasn't been shelved, we just haven't ironed out some of the stumbling blocks."

Prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate for Cheltenham Mark Coote said he was disappointed.

"We're crying out for rail infrastructure in this part of the country. It's dire," he said.

"We could now be looking at a decade of complete inaction for a piece of the line which would make a huge difference to reliability and quality of travel."

A Network Rail spokesman said the costs of the scheme were under review.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on January 19, 2008, 11:03:36
From what we know of the reasons behind Network Rail's decision to put the scheme on hold, they seem to tally with Christian Wolmar's prediction of October 2006 :

Network Rail says the scheme is currently in the first stage of the GRIP (the eight-stage Guide to Railway Investment Projects) and a feasibility study is being carried out. If the results are positive , work could start as early as 2008/09. (link below.)
http://www.christianwolmar.co.uk/articles/rail/551.shtml

Before we get too excited , Wolmar also raises some other points including :

"There are, of course, a whole host of difficulties ahead. No costing is available so far and the work may prove to be more difficult than expected. When the track was singled, it was moved to the middle because of concerns about weak embankments, and both moving the track and shoring up the embankments will add to the costs. When Chiltern and Railtrack redoubled just nine miles of plain line track between Bicester and Aynho junctions three years ago, the bill was a staggering ^60m.Therefore, it would not take much for a relatively modest scheme like Swindon to Kemble to reach three figures quite easily."

Note also a further quote from the CW article :

Quote
There are dozens of worthwhile schemes with strong business cases that only require the will and a bit of cash. For example, I was recently sent the proposal to reopen Kenilworth station between Coventry and Leamington Spa which would provide three times the amount of benefits compared with its ^4m cost. Network Rail^s ability to bring these schemes to fruition is an important test of whether the current structure is a viable way to run the railway.

In the grand scheme of things, we are talking about redoubling a 14-mile stretch of line, which is a key diversionary route and requires no extra platforms to be built.

If Network Rail cant pull this one off, then how likely is it that they could manage a more complex scheme such as (say) redoubling the Cotswold line?


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: dog box on January 24, 2008, 22:23:07
Am i missing something but its not 14 miles from Swindon to Kemble is it?


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: smokey on January 24, 2008, 22:34:58
Am i missing something but its not 14 miles from Swindon to Kemble is it?


It's not.

It's only 13 miles 56chain.

But thats only just over a quarter mile short of 14 miles


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: 12hoursunday on February 16, 2008, 15:46:21
If the proposal only considers the re-laying the track and does not include upgrades to the signaling then the difference to delays will be minimal. Currently you have 1 signal at the Swindon end (in the down direction) to enter the single line and a signal at the Kemble end to exit it. About three quarters of the way through you have distant signal and a main signal protecting a crossing.

If there was no addition signalling installed a train would still have to travel 13 miles 56 chains (I'll take smokeys word for that) from Swindon before another could enter into the section. It takes about 12 or 13 minutes to travel the distance.

A upgrade of all the signals between Swindon and Standish Junction is what is required also if this project gets the go ahead!

A simaler upgrade of track from single to doulbe track in Cornwall, I have heard did not not include the replacement of the signalling system!


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on February 16, 2008, 16:16:41
Some good points raised there, and I am reminded of Industry Insider's post regarding a more modest Cotswold Line proposal :

I personally think that complete re-doubling of the whole line will not get approved any time soon due to the costs involved, whilst Graham is right in that earthworks are largely in place, the track in many sections has been realigned to allow higher speeds and slews from one side of the former double track to the other, so unfortunately it's not just a case of plonking another track down next to the existing one.

Also, Lee has a valid point regarding Ascott-U-W, Combe and Finstock. As well as those smaller stations, the larger stations at Hanborough, Charlbury, Honeybourne and Pershore would have to have additional platforms added (though the old platforms are substantially complete still at Honeybourne and Pershore).

Personally, I think that a more modest scheme should be called for as (given the current cost or re-instating railway infrastructure) that is much more likely to be funded, and would provide real, tangible improvements that are deperately required so that a punctual, slightly faster, hourly (half-hourly in peak) service can operate.

I would suggest some, if not all, of the following improvements covering the Oxford-Norton Junction section should be included (although many of the problems with capacity are connected with the outdated signalling and track layouts at Worcester and Malvern too of course!)

1) Resignalling with colour-light Track Circuit Block signals throughout, replacing Norton Junction, Evesham, Moreton and Ascott signalboxes and associated token equipment.
2) Redoubling of short sections immediately beyond Wolvercote and Norton Juntions to enable trains waiting to go onto the single line to not have to block the main line whilst they wait.
3) Passing loops to be installed within the single track sections to virtually double capacity for service recovery, one in the Pershore area, one in the Chipping Camden area, and one between Finstock and Hanborough (there are two long straight sections of track which are ideal for this as the track has not been moved from the original days).
4) Line-speed increases from 75 to 90+ on most of the Moreton to Evesham section (with the exception of Aston Magna curve and possibly between Camden Tunnel and Honeybourne where track curvature would prevent this).
5) Upgrade of Switches & Crossings (S&C) at Norton Junction in the down directon to increase linespeed from 25mph to 70mph.
6) Upgrade of S&C at Evesham to allow 50mph working throughout station area.
7) Upgrade of S&C at Moreton to increase up direction working off the single line from 15mph to 40mph.
8) Upgrade of S&C at Ascott so that up trains can enter the single line section at 75mph instead of 40mph.
9) Upgrade of S&C at Wolvercote Junction from 40mph to 60mph both directions.

Apologies if this is a little in-depth, but I believe that a good financial case could be made for the above schemes, and that they would help to vastly reduce delays on the Cotswold Line, give adequate capacity for an hourly off-peak service (with room for extra trains in the peak) and also speed up services so that Worcester is within the important aspirational journey time of 1hour to Oxford and 2hrs to London whilst largely maintaining the current calling patterns.

What do people think?


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: John R on February 16, 2008, 16:32:16
If the proposal only considers the re-laying the track and does not include upgrades to the signaling then the difference to delays will be minimal. Currently you have 1 signal at the Swindon end (in the down direction) to enter the single line and a signal at the Kemble end to exit it. About three quarters of the way through you have distant signal and a main signal protecting a crossing.

If there was no addition signalling installed a train would still have to travel 13 miles 56 chains (I'll take smokeys word for that) from Swindon before another could enter into the section. It takes about 12 or 13 minutes to travel the distance.

A upgrade of all the signals between Swindon and Standish Junction is what is required also if this project gets the go ahead!

A simaler upgrade of track from single to doulbe track in Cornwall, I have heard did not not include the replacement of the signalling system!

But you don't have to wait for a train coming the other way, which may well have had to wait for the preceding train in the same direction as you are travelling.

I would have thought halving the amount of single track would be a good compromise, particularly as the main benefits seem to be when the Severn Tunnel is closed, so full dualling appears an expensive option for a diversionary route.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on February 16, 2008, 16:36:44
I would have thought halving the amount of single track would be a good compromise, particularly as the main benefits seem to be when the Severn Tunnel is closed, so full dualling appears an expensive option for a diversionary route.

I would imagine they will want to put additional (not just diversionary) freight through as well.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Btline on February 16, 2008, 20:04:22
I know that you all think I'm obsessed with the Cotswold Line, but I think that the Cotswold line is more important here.  >:(

But of course, any redoubling is welcomed.  :)


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: John R on February 16, 2008, 21:21:38
If it's one or the other then I think the Cotswold Line should get it, as the single line sections are clearly having a very adverse impact on services in the way that I haven't heard they do on the Kemble Line.

But of course, it shouldn't have to be "one or the other".


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on February 17, 2008, 12:40:01
But of course, it shouldn't have to be "one or the other".

I agree, John.

Both schemes would (if implemented in an appropriate manner) improve reliability and diversionary potential. However, it is worth pointing out some key differences between the two (as well as those already mentioned) :

- There is more emphasis on potential new passenger services in the Cotswolds scheme than there is in the Stroud Valley scheme.

- The Stroud Valley line is more suitable (currently at least) for extra freight trains than the Cotswolds line is (W8 guage versus W6 guage.)

I also note that Network Rail have revised their tonnage growth forecasts downwards for both lines. These were classed as "High" but are now classed as "Low."

Does this indicate that Network Rail were keen on implementing both schemes, but are no longer quite so enthusiastic?

On the other hand, Andrew Haines did recently express optimism regarding the prospects for Cotswold line enhancements.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: smokey on February 17, 2008, 12:49:44
But of course, it shouldn't have to be "one or the other".

I agree, John.

Both schemes would (if implemented in an appropriate manner) improve reliability and diversionary potential. However, it is worth pointing out some key differences between the two (as well as those already mentioned) :

- There is more emphasis on potential new passenger services in the Cotswolds scheme than there is in the Stroud Valley scheme.

- The Stroud Valley line is more suitable (currently at least) for extra freight trains than the Cotswolds line is (W8 guage versus W6 guage.)

I also note that Network Rail have revised their tonnage growth forecasts downwards for both lines. These were classed as "High" but are now classed as "Low."

Does this indicate that Network Rail were keen on implementing both schemes, but are no longer quite so enthusiastic?

On the other hand, Andrew Haines did recently express optimism regarding the prospects for Cotswold line enhancements.


Something to bear in mind, The Board of Trade (yes the Government) considered when railways opened (in the 18xx's) that SINGLE LINES WERE UNFINSHED RAILWAYS and double track would be installed later.
Branch lines worked by OEIS and carrying a train staff were the exception to this rule.

For the record

OEIS: One Engine In Steam

Train Staff: A tablet given to driver of all trains working that line. NO TABLET=NO AUTHORITY TO ENTER SINGLE LINE.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on April 30, 2008, 15:46:07
Stroud's MP David Drew is calling on the Government to make the upgrading of the line from Kemble to Swindon a priority. He says the nine-mile stretch needs to become a double-track line to boost the frequency of trains between Gloucestershire and London (link below.)
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20504234&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

Now he is poised to ask a Parliamentary Question asking the Government to make the upgrade a priority. "I have been lobbying this for 10 years," he said.

He is concerned that upgrading the North Cotswold Line to double track could be made a priority before the Kemble-Swindon stretch.

He is calling on the ORR to back his campaign and has submitted a parliamentary question asking why the North Cotswold line could be due for an earlier upgrade.

Quote from: David Drew
"The North Cotswolds line is longer line to be redoubled and is less well used than the Kemble-Swindon stretch,"

A spokesman for Network Rail said it was keen to upgrade the line, and would seek additional funding.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Btline on April 30, 2008, 17:06:18
Stroud's MP David Drew is calling on the Government to make the upgrading of the line from Kemble to Swindon a priority. He says the nine-mile stretch needs to become a double-track line to boost the frequency of trains between Gloucestershire and London (link below.)
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20504234&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

Now he is poised to ask a Parliamentary Question asking the Government to make the upgrade a priority. "I have been lobbying this for 10 years," he said.

He is concerned that upgrading the North Cotswold Line to double track could be made a priority before the Kemble-Swindon stretch.

He is calling on the ORR to back his campaign and has submitted a parliamentary question asking why the North Cotswold line could be due for an earlier upgrade.

Quote from: David Drew
"The North Cotswolds line is longer line to be redoubled and is less well used than the Kemble-Swindon stretch,"

A spokesman for Network Rail said it was keen to upgrade the line, and would seek additional funding.

The Cotswold Line should be redoubled first as it causes more problems.

As for: " the Cotswold line is not used much." This is true only because of the unreliability and poor frequency of trains.

Finally - does nobody see the potential for a more frequent service from Evesham to Worcester. All the emphasis on the line is for InterCity trains to London. There could be a boost if a better service was put on for Worcester/ Birmingham (via Worcester) commuters/day trippers.

New stations could also be opened to form a "Worcester Metro" : Stratford, Long Marston, Honeybourne, Evesham, Fladbury, Pershore, Norton, Shrub Hill, Foregate Street, Henwick, Rushwick, Bransford, Malvern Link and Great Malvern .... springs to mind!

As I said, the only viable rail commuting to Worcester, is from Malvern, Bromsgrove, Droitwich Stourbrdige and Kidderminster. I.e. NOTHING to the east!

The lines are there (well, one of them is) - lets get commuters of the A44!


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on May 01, 2008, 00:55:16
Some Parliamentary Written Answers for you :

Quote from: Hansard
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will publish the Network Rail evaluation of proposals to re-double the Kemble to Swindon line, including any cost predictions. [201573]

Mr. Tom Harris: The Office of Rail Regulation is currently evaluating proposals published by Network Rail this month for enhancing both the North Cotswold and the Stroud Valley lines and expects to publish its preliminary determination in June 2008.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which (a) hon. Members and (b) local authorities have made representations to (i) her and (ii) Network Rail on the re-doubling of (A) the Kemble to Swindon line and (B) the North Cotswold line. [201574]

Mr. Tom Harris: The following hon. Members have made written representations to the Department in the last three years:

Swindon^Kemble line

Geoffrey Clinton-Brown MP

David Drew MP

Mark Harper MP

Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP

Laurence Robertson MP

North Cotswold line

David Cameron MP

Geoffrey Clinton-Brown MP

David Drew MP

Michael Foster MP

Peter Luff MP

John Maples MP

We have received no written representations from local authorities about either line during this period.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria were used to (a) accept the North Cotswolds line and (b) reject the Stroud Valleys line for future re-doubling. [201430]

Mr. Tom Harris: The Government are supportive of rail growth to meet the needs of our growing economy and we have specified and funded the high level improvements in capacity, safety and reliability required by 2014. It is for the rail industry to determine the enhancement schemes required to deliver this specification, subject to independent evaluation by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).

The ORR is currently evaluating proposals published by Network Rail this month for enhancing both the North Cotswold and the Stroud Valley lines and expects to publish its preliminary determination in June 2008.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: eightf48544 on May 01, 2008, 15:09:59
Agree that both lines should be redoubled. However the one thing that may put the Stroud Line back in the queue is that trains for Kemble can leave Swindon station and wait round the corner for the train from Kemble. Whereas Cotswold bound trains block the main line at Wolvercote wating for trains off the single line or delay Up trains at Ascott.

My view is that good start would be to add a 4 miles of double track from Wolvercote to Hanborough (exclusive) to get Cotswold trains off the mainline and shorten the single line section,  without having to rebuild any stations. Coupled with the upgrades of S&C proposed by industry insider this would be a good start.



Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: John R on May 01, 2008, 19:58:50
That's not proposed, because of the impact of signalling in the Oxford area. The proposal is to dual a large part of the central section, leaving the two sections on either end of the line single for the moment.

I don't think most of us would argue with that if and when it's approved. 


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: eightf48544 on May 02, 2008, 10:03:27
What's happened to all the signal engineers.

It shouldn't be that difficult to put in a small SSSI at Wolvercote multiplexed to the Oxford panel. When Oxford is upgraded it can interface with the new equipment.

Even if you put more double track in the middle you've still got the problem of holding a down train on the mainline or an up train at Ascott waiting for the single line to clear.

One of the first rules of railway work don't stop a train on the mainline waiting a path. Get it into a loop or onto the branch.



Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Btline on May 02, 2008, 19:22:57
Same at the other end.

Axe Norton Junction signal box, motorise the points, add an HST length loop on the branch, put in new colour signals, add everything to one of the Worcester signal boxes, continue the 90 mph speed limit to just outside Shrub Hill.

Knock at least a minute off the journey, more when you factor in the reduction in delays, improved operational flexibility and the capacity.

Also reduces operational costs, so would pay back (maybe 8) )!


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: stebbo on June 01, 2008, 21:30:06
I live in Hereford but have worked in Cheltenham for the last 16 months. As a result I have travelled a lot on the Cotswold line over the last 18 years (almost always delayed) and a few times on the Cheltenham/Paddington line (on time or 5 to 10 minute delay). In my experience, the Cotswold line suffers far more congestion and delays and is thus a prime candidate for redoubling and should receive primary focus. I don't now use the Cotswold line but go from Cheltenham or drive all the way to Swindon.

I totally agree that the single track from Kemble to Swindon is a nonsense - indeed what idiot thought it up? I can't see what purpose it ever served - why stop at Kemble?. Why didn't they single all the way to Stroud whilst they were at it - clearly and thankfully rational thought set in somewhere.

Also, in this week's local paper for Glos and Wilts (the Standard) I saw the paper proudly present photo evidence that the Kemble/Swindon stretch WAS once double track. I despair of local newspapers - whoever thought it wasn't, as it was the original mainline to South Wales pre-Severn Tunnel days? Oh, and not all the track needs to be moved for a re-doubling - there is a good stretch of the old track still in place, albeit rotten, alongside the current single track from Swindon for a good few miles.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: 12hoursunday on June 02, 2008, 21:43:38
Oh, and not all the track needs to be moved for a re-doubling - there is a good stretch of the old track still in place, albeit rotten, alongside the current single track from Swindon for a good few miles.

Whilst part of your comment above is true re the old track being in place ( I think the rotting pice at the Swindon end served the undergroud storage depot whilst it was still used by trains) I'm afraid that probally the whole lot will have to be replaced. The old bit happens to be Three foot lower than the bit used today . Over the years the ballast has been built up and will have to removed espeacilly under the bridges. Failing that bridges etc will have to be removed and replaced as trains now run through the middle of the 'hole' and would no way fit under if the track was doulbed!


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: 12hoursunday on June 02, 2008, 21:53:45


Axe Norton Junction signal box, motorise the points, add an HST length loop on the branch, put in new colour signals, add everything to one of the Worcester signal boxes, continue the 90 mph speed limit to just outside Shrub Hill.



Flipping Heck Btline what do you think we are trained in the art of kamikazi train driving or something! ;D I can just see it now. The first day of the new working and the first Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill HST coming off the road as he went speeding through those points ( which gives a bit of a kick at 25) at 90mph! ;)


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Btline on June 02, 2008, 22:00:19


Axe Norton Junction signal box, motorise the points, add an HST length loop on the branch, put in new colour signals, add everything to one of the Worcester signal boxes, continue the 90 mph speed limit to just outside Shrub Hill.



Flipping Heck Btline what do you think we are trained in the art of kamikazi train driving or something! ;D I can just see it now. The first day of the new working and the first Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill HST coming off the road as he went speeding through those points ( which gives a bit of a kick at 25) at 90mph! ;)

 ??? You what? ???


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: signalandtelegraph on June 03, 2008, 08:00:47
What's happened to all the signal engineers.

It shouldn't be that difficult to put in a small SSSI at Wolvercote multiplexed to the Oxford panel. When Oxford is upgraded it can interface with the new equipment.


It isn't,  but at the moment the initial cost would not justify the return given the age of the current infrastructure.  NR would rather wait until resignalling is due and do it then. 


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: stebbo on June 05, 2008, 19:48:06
"My view is that good start would be to add a 4 miles of double track from Wolvercote to Hanborough (exclusive) to get Cotswold trains off the mainline and shorten the single line section,  without having to rebuild any stations. Coupled with the upgrades of S&C proposed by industry insider this would be a good start"

My view - expressed in another blog on the Cotswold section - is that if you are going for half measures on the Cotswold line you redouble Evesham to Charlbury so extending the middle double track bit but it is a bit half-baked and not as good as doing the lot. Fortunately sense may prevail there.

But doesn't really sort out the Stroud line with the odd single bit at one end. As I said earlier on this blog, can't understand what half wit thought up this piece of nonsense, but there you go. For a chain or two short of 14 miles, do the lot.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: 12hoursunday on June 05, 2008, 22:44:28
to get Cotswold trains off the mainline

There is already the facility to do this as there is a signal protecting the single line 500 yds past Wolvercote. However it would only help if nothing was coming along in the up direction.









Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on June 06, 2008, 19:09:16
The Stroud Valley scheme is among those ruled out by the ORR (link below.)
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2008/06/network_rail_told_to_make_cuts.html#more


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: stebbo on June 06, 2008, 21:59:00
"There is already the facility to do this as there is a signal protecting the single line 500 yds past Wolvercote. However it would only help if nothing was coming along in the up direction."

Correction - I don't think I said that as the point you make is obvious. My point was that, if you're not going to do the whole Cotswold line, do the middle bit - but that has no relevance to the Stroud line.



Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: 12hoursunday on June 07, 2008, 22:43:53
What you said was!


"My view is that good start would be to add a 4 miles of double track from Wolvercote to Hanborough (exclusive) to get Cotswold trains off the mainline and shorten the single line section,  without having to rebuild any stations.

What I said was




 
There is already the facility to do this as there is a signal protecting the single line 500 yds past Wolvercote. However it would only help if nothing was coming along in the up direction.









 ;)


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Btline on June 08, 2008, 11:02:57
But if trains are coming towards Oxford, you can't get the Northbound train off the mainline. Ditto at Norton.


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on June 09, 2008, 21:21:46
The Stroud Valley scheme is among those ruled out by the ORR (link below.)
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2008/06/network_rail_told_to_make_cuts.html#more

Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown is urging people to write to the ORR to push for work to start on the Cotswold Line as soon as possible and to reverse the decision on the Swindon to Kemble line (link below.)
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20823012&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on July 01, 2008, 13:02:57
Transport minister Tom Harris is backing the Stroud Valley re-doubling plans (link below.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/7482746.stm

Quote from: Tom Harris
"I will commit my own officials to working with the industry to make the case very strongly to the ORR that the re-doubling of this lane (article probably meant to say "line") should in fact go ahead."


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: swlines on July 01, 2008, 13:05:17
Lee, are you sure he isn't referring to a road that runs next to the railway? He clearly says lane! :)

Damn you, you edited...  :P


Title: Re: Stroud Valley Line Double - Track Proposal Update
Post by: Lee on July 01, 2008, 13:17:49
Lee, are you sure he isn't referring to a road that runs next to the railway? He clearly says lane! :)

Damn you, you edited...  :P

Less than 20 seconds in it, though  ;D



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