This hasn’t been rushed. In fact this idea is decades old . It’s a good start to bring Washington onto the network and also to bring some of the Leamside line back into use. Some people have questioned why it’s a loop. Such a concept is hardly new. We have a loop on the yellow line and also the Circle line in London. Passengers aren’t stupid, they’ll figure it out.
I agree a reopened Leamside line should be light rail only. Re crossing the River Wear, Belmont Viaduct is still there, waiting to be re-used. A new rail bridge over or under the A1(M) would be needed, just north of junction 62, preferably at right angles.
Isn't this what Arup are appointed to figure out?
It is a shame the idea of dula voltage capability of the 555s was dropped, as in this situation, it could have allowed for the Leamside (and the Sunderland line) to be converted to 25kV in the future.
1500v DC is used on almost the entire Dutch mainline network. It isn’t something that prevents Metro from being heavy rail.
It’s far too early to tell what may or may not be electrified in 2060, which is roughly when the 555s are expected to last until.
From a technical perspective it's theoretically possible but it wouldn't be easy as it's not something the 555s were designed to accommodate. From a legislative perspective almost certainly not as the ORR aren't keen on new third rail installations.
Yeah, I’ve heard about that. Surely for a metro/light rail it wouldn’t be too big of an issue? Also with regards to the 555s thinking about it the 319s were never made to accommodate an engine yet they worked-ish but saying that look where they are now . It would definitely be helpful and I think considering the country’s considering electrifying the full network by 2050 it will be an obstacle that will be overcome eventually.
A direct connection between Washington and Sunderland is a key condition.
Multiple bus routes, connecting sunderland to washington, hopefully with a 10 minute frequency all round it really wouldn’t kill to change and wait the 10 minutes. It’s all about connecting people but yet missing out 3 sizeable communities. Feels like a bit of a missed opportunity. I know the yellow line loops but it starts in one place and ends in another without backing up on itself where the green line will, whether it just runs to heworth or further on so it’s not really comparable.
It’s not the fact that it’s light rail, metro or heavy rail. If top contact third rail is easily accessible to the public or staff it would be considered a shock danger whatever the purpose of the system, as the risks are exactly the same.
That the idea has been knocking around for years doesn't mean that it has been fully thought through and costed. With projects like this - certainly in NE England and probably elsewhere - to here is a good deal of over excitement and donning of rose-tinted spectacles. There does seem to be inordinate haste between Kim McGuinness refloating the idea and the government promising cash. Perhaps I should remind people of the latest iteration of the A1 dualling plan. Money was promised - hurrah! - then, lo and behold, money was withdrawn + boo!
f course, being brand new it wouldn’t have to be top contact. Still seems like an expensive solution in search of a problem.
