BRX
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- Joined
- 20 Oct 2008
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https://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/new...unct-horsham-to-guildford-rail-line-1-8974381
I guess the reality is probably that this will never happen, but it's good to see some attempt being made.
Anyone who travels between Guildford and Brighton knows how useful this "missing link" would be, if it still existed.
I've cycled the 'downslink' route between Guildford and Shoreham several times - it uses the old trackbed most of the way - and it's so frustrating to see that while there are extensive stretched of trackbed that could be brought back into use, there are a few places where housing (and a road bypass) have been built on it.
If only the politicians of the 60s had had the foresight to make a planning rule that old trackbeds could never be built upon - the cost in unusable land would have been minimal but the benefits so great, now that there is a good argument to re-open various stretches of line. Ironically it's those ill conceived housing developments that got built on the trackbed that now remove the opportunity to provide current day housing developments with proper public transport access.
Backing is being sought from local MPs to a new campaign aimed at reopening the former Horsham to Guildford railway line which has been shut since the 1960s.
The English Regional Transport Association - which also wants to reopen the Horsham to Shoreham line - staged a meeting about the proposals in Horsham on Saturday.
Both rail lines have been closed for more than 50 years but much of the original track beds survive.
A spokesman for the association said: “We would like to see a rebuilt railway from Guildford-Horsham as a Phase 1 with new stations at Cranleigh and an A24 Parkway Station to jointly serve surrounding growing populations and expanded development.
“The link would serve local people and places as well as being part of the national rail network. It offers some relief to congested roads, quicker transit timings and relief for the Brighton Main Line.
“Phase 2 would be Horsham-Shoreham.” The group also wants to include cycleways and footpaths.
I guess the reality is probably that this will never happen, but it's good to see some attempt being made.
Anyone who travels between Guildford and Brighton knows how useful this "missing link" would be, if it still existed.
I've cycled the 'downslink' route between Guildford and Shoreham several times - it uses the old trackbed most of the way - and it's so frustrating to see that while there are extensive stretched of trackbed that could be brought back into use, there are a few places where housing (and a road bypass) have been built on it.
If only the politicians of the 60s had had the foresight to make a planning rule that old trackbeds could never be built upon - the cost in unusable land would have been minimal but the benefits so great, now that there is a good argument to re-open various stretches of line. Ironically it's those ill conceived housing developments that got built on the trackbed that now remove the opportunity to provide current day housing developments with proper public transport access.