Delays at the hands of Network Rail - specific case, or something more general?

[whole diary]

[grahame]

From the Oban Times

It looks like delayed work to replace the Slatach bridge carrying the A830 trunk road over the rail line at the western edge of Glenfinnan and ancillary work to create a new stretch of trunk road, might now start some time early next year.

Asked when the delayed work would finally get underway ? work on compulsory purchase orders for the land required were due to be completed by mid-March of 2019 ? a Transport Scotland spokesperson told the Lochaber Times there had been some hitches in progressing the transfer of ownership.

'Unfortunately, Network Rail's technical and commercial processes that would allow the transfer of ownership have taken significantly longer than anticipated and have yet to be concluded.

'It is hoped that these matters can be resolved early this year, allowing works to begin on site in early 2022.'

I don't know the specific details, bu why am I not surprised that Network Rail's processes are reported as putting a significant delay into a project?  What example does this set if (as strongly rumoured) Network Rail end up with expanded responsibilities following the Williams report and associated legislation which itself feels a bit slow and overdue?

[Electric train]

From the Oban Times

It looks like delayed work to replace the Slatach bridge carrying the A830 trunk road over the rail line at the western edge of Glenfinnan and ancillary work to create a new stretch of trunk road, might now start some time early next year.

Asked when the delayed work would finally get underway ? work on compulsory purchase orders for the land required were due to be completed by mid-March of 2019 ? a Transport Scotland spokesperson told the Lochaber Times there had been some hitches in progressing the transfer of ownership.

'Unfortunately, Network Rail's technical and commercial processes that would allow the transfer of ownership have taken significantly longer than anticipated and have yet to be concluded.

'It is hoped that these matters can be resolved early this year, allowing works to begin on site in early 2022.'

I don't know the specific details, bu why am I not surprised that Network Rail's processes are reported as putting a significant delay into a project?  What example does this set if (as strongly rumoured) Network Rail end up with expanded responsibilities following the Williams report and associated legislation which itself feels a bit slow and overdue?

Network Rail needs to have the shackles placed on it by Government relaxed, the bureaucracy has increased since it became an "at arms length" Government body