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Dual railway plan back on track
TRANSPORT chiefs have brought plans to build an extra railway line from Kemble Station to Swindon back on track this week.
Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton Brown and Peter Luff, MP for Mid Worcestershire, met with senior representatives from Network Rail to discuss the re-doubling of both the Cotswold and Swindon to Kemble railway lines.
Network Rail had been considering the multi-million pound project last year but announced a postponement to discussions in January.
The MPs were informed that an in depth feasibility study had been undertaken on both lines.
On the Cotswold line the improvements to the line where it enters Oxford and to dual the section between Evesham and Charlbury could begin early next year, subject to approval by the Office of Rail Regulation.
| "There may finally be some news to hearten my constituents who get frustrated on a daily basis by the Governments failure to improve our inadequate transport network." | | Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown |
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Both MPs gave this a guarded welcome as they are keen to ensure that the developments are the beginning of a scheme to re-double the whole of the line from Oxford to Worcester to deliver a half hourly service.
Mr Clifton-Brown reported that Network Rail were emphatic that the scheme is as important as that on the Cotswold line. However, this stretch presents a bigger engineering challenge as the line has never been dual track.
He said: "Were the scheme to be given the green light, it would enable a service of four trains an hour in either direction, produce savings on £300,000 per year at the Minety level crossing and provide a diversionary route were there to be service problems around Bristol or in Wales.
"Following the disappointment of my adjournment debate on the A417 on Monday, it seems there may finally be some news to hearten my constituents who get frustrated on a daily basis by the Governments failure to improve our inadequate transport network."
Mr Clifton-Brown is also hoping his constituents will write letters of support for the scheme to pressure Network Rail into proceeding with the plans. Letters should be sent to Bill Emery, Office of Rail Regulation, One Kemble Street, London, WC2B 4AN.
8:20am Friday 25th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: richard, cirencester on 10:13am Fri 25 Apr 08
I live in Swindon and hate having to use the train to get to work. If they double the track are they going to p[ut on extra buses?
I live in Swindon and hate having to use the train to get to work. If they double the track are they going to p[ut on extra buses?
Posted by: David Broad, maestro on 3:42pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Both Cotswold line and Swindon to Kemble were built not only for two tracks but for two Brunel gauge 7 foot wide tracks so someone is being economical with the truth. The realignment for higher speeds between Kemble and Swindon is the real problem as the new track cannot be reinstated without first taking up the existing track.
It was a particularly stupid thing to do singling this line and has given problems from the first day of single line operation.
Both Cotswold line and Swindon to Kemble were built not only for two tracks but for two Brunel gauge 7 foot wide tracks so someone is being economical with the truth. The realignment for higher speeds between Kemble and Swindon is the real problem as the new track cannot be reinstated without first taking up the existing track.
It was a particularly stupid thing to do singling this line and has given problems from the first day of single line operation.
Posted by: Jim Woodcock, Cirencester on 11:37pm Sun 4 May 08
I have read this a number of times and cannot see a specific commitment to dualling the Swindon to Kemble line. Am I missing something or is it not there - or is it just poorly worded?!?
I have read this a number of times and cannot see a specific commitment to dualling the Swindon to Kemble line. Am I missing something or is it not there - or is it just poorly worded?!?
Posted by: Phil Jones, London Uk on 8:14pm Tue 6 May 08
I have been after NR and the Government for a number of years to do something about doubling Swindon to Kemble. I really thought that some action would be taken this year, but then the old procrastination sets in again. Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham and the whole of the southern Cotswolds aren't going to get any decent rail services until the 12 miles are re-doubled.
I have been after NR and the Government for a number of years to do something about doubling Swindon to Kemble. I really thought that some action would be taken this year, but then the old procrastination sets in again. Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham and the whole of the southern Cotswolds aren't going to get any decent rail services until the 12 miles are re-doubled.
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