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Borders Railway - Now Open
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Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
Just as a matter of general interest, I looked in on the Borders Railway website and it seems to be of a good quality in its presentation
Whilst looking at the area between Gorebridge and Stow, I noted that there were closed stations at Fushiebridge, Tynehead, Heriot and at Fountainhall. Can anyone with local knowledge of this region say whether or not the current area conditions applying in 2013 precluded any of these four railway stations from consideration in the reopening project ?
Whilst looking at the area between Gorebridge and Stow, I noted that there were closed stations at Fushiebridge, Tynehead, Heriot and at Fountainhall. Can anyone with local knowledge of this region say whether or not the current area conditions applying in 2013 precluded any of these four railway stations from consideration in the reopening project ?
None of them have sufficient population to justify re-opening.
Altnabreac
Established Member
All 4 have very small, rural and dispersed populations. The only one that really got any serious consideration for reopening during the parliamentary process was Heriot. The thought was it could potentially serve as a railhead for Innerleithen, but to be honest Gorebridge is probably more convenient.
Stow was only added to the scheme thanks to pressure from local MSPs and was not really wanted by either Transport Scotland or Borders council.
For completeness sake there was another station at Bowland between Stow and Gala even less likely to be reopened than the other four mentioned.
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
I was aware of this particular closed station that is situated between Stow and Galashiels, being the organiser and resident stalwart of the Closed Stations Journey quiz, but only chose to make mention of the four closed stations between Gorebridge and Stow.
However, I am most impressed by your knowledge of Bowland station. Well done.
Zoidberg
Established Member
Interesting - and for the benefit of those who have a problem with links, the text under the picture linked to says:
So, y'all can decide whether or not to attempt to navigate to it.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
An article from the Edinburgh Evening News which may be of interest.
http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-e...d-to-make-way-for-borders-rail-link-1-2981743
An extract:
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PhilipW
Member
Is the line being built so that it can all be upgraded to double track easily in the future, if need be ?
D365
Veteran Member
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A bit late this reply, but as I've heard that the single track is being centred underneath arches so as to provide sufficient clearance for potential electrification, I would assume it might be quite difficult, among other reasons.
Better to be wired with some single track sections under bridges, than doubled throughout and not able to add wires without expensive bridge works.
Surely a few strategic loops here and there would enable as much capacity at this line might ever need.
Surely a few strategic loops here and there would enable as much capacity at this line might ever need.
Are things like relay / location cabinets being placed such that they would not impede any adding of double track at a later date e.g. extending the existing loops ?
I am just thinking that a significant cost of redoubling projects like the cotswolds line was moving all the old comms out of the way.
Also I assume that the existing bridges, especially the metal river ones are going to be refurbished such that a second track could be added at a later date ? I know that the new bridges either side of Torwoodlee tunnel are going to be single from the outset, but since they are so close to Galashiels then this will not matter in the future, even if the line is extended back to Melrose / Hawick.
I am just thinking that a significant cost of redoubling projects like the cotswolds line was moving all the old comms out of the way.
Also I assume that the existing bridges, especially the metal river ones are going to be refurbished such that a second track could be added at a later date ? I know that the new bridges either side of Torwoodlee tunnel are going to be single from the outset, but since they are so close to Galashiels then this will not matter in the future, even if the line is extended back to Melrose / Hawick.
Some of the spans on individual bridges which are not going to be reused are being removed. The Borders railway website has plans of the whole route also if you check out the Scottish Borders Council planning application search for earlier in the year you will see applications to demolish, restore and rebuild bridges as well as various new structures. Quite a lot of the bridges are being reused, some are having there spans replaced though using the original piers etc.
Double tracking later will not be straight forward should it ever be required. Similarly the double track sections at Shawfair, on Borthwick bank and Stow have been designed to suit an particular pattern for train services ie an all station half hourly service.
Zoidberg
Established Member
An interesting article in the Edinburgh Evening News published 2nd August.
An extract from http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...ilway-sparks-developer-housing-boom-1-3027446
An extract from http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...ilway-sparks-developer-housing-boom-1-3027446
Eagle
Established Member
I did always think the "if you build it, they will come" argument is worth more than some give it credit for
Think we might have to add a proviso to that: "If you build it and it's useful, they will come"
I did always think the "if you build it, they will come" argument is worth more than some give it credit for
Next stop Carlisle?
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
If the new rail link is said to be "partly" the reason for "the boom", what were the other non-stated reasons ?
Oh dear, is the commuter roads access to Edinburgh another reason....
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I did always think the "if you build it, they will come" argument is worth more than some give it credit for
...they will come..." But in my experiance not as far as Hawick
Demand for housing is increasing in Edinburgh and the cheapeast sites availabe are on the route of the new railway some of which are brown field sites.
This is perhaps the beginning of the end for those who opposed the line on the basis that it would be serving houses that would never be built and lived in by people who don't exist and couldn't afford them if they did.
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Think we might have to add a proviso to that: "If you build it and it's useful, they will come"
..and its useful.. and its not prevented by planning regulations.. they will some..
The Metropolitan line might still go to Aylesbury were it not for the Green Belt cutting off housing prospects along its route.
That didn't take long to get reversed.
http://www.bordersrailway.co.uk/news/alternative-railway-design-proposed-at-falahill.aspx
http://www.bordersrailway.co.uk/news/alternative-railway-design-proposed-at-falahill.aspx
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
Was not a full infrastructural survey and consultation originally carried out at the area of this site, which would/should have taken account of the matters now appertaining to the alternative design that has now appeared to have found favour.
PaxVobiscum
Established Member
I remember that there was quite a stushie when the plans for the double roundabout on the A7 at Falahill were announced, with claims about potential delays and road safety issues being made. This latest proposal seems much more sensible. I trust all the objectors are now all singing madrigals (or more precisely, Balletts) on top of said hill.
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Eagle
Established Member
I admit I'm not quite sure of the geography round there, but I did drive past Falahill three weeks ago and it looked to be well underway? Will any work have to be redone?
PaxVobiscum
Established Member
From the Borders Railway website news item linked above:
I suspect the contractors were told not to do much about actually starting the detailed works pending a new design forthcoming.
I suspect the contractors were told not to do much about actually starting the detailed works pending a new design forthcoming.
It's at least two years since the design involving the dogleg and two roundabouts on the A7 was first announced.
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