Some interesting things in here, notably;
1. Funding for electrification of Filton bank
See para 75.
see 51.4
3. Rail service uplift on the bristol to weston line
51.5
Obviously this is all very early doors but looks promising in regards to getting the electrification side of things rolling again, after it's gone quiet for a period.
1. Funding for electrification of Filton bank
See para 75.
"Network Rail has recommended that funding is initially prioritised towards demonstrating the feasibility and affordability of electrifying the rail network between Bristol Parkway station and Bristol Temple Meads station (Filton Bank). Filton Bank, between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway, is a core transport corridor within the region. Electrifying this section will enable electric rolling stock from Bristol Temple Meads towards London and Wales, while filling a further gap for electric trains heading north out of our region. Electric rolling stock exists for London and Wales bound services, however today operating with inefficient diesel motive power. Delivering this section of electrification enables the region to better consider decarbonisation of our regional branch line services, for example Battery / Electric rolling stock on the Seven Beach branch, and potentially to Henbury"
2. Branch line study for improved frequency of servicessee 51.4
"This project will look at the feasibility and business case for operating increased services on a number of lines in the region, for example, 2/3tph on the proposed new Henbury line and 3tph on the existing Severn Beach Lines. This will take advantage of work currently being undertaken by Network Rail to assess the feasibility of an uplift in capacity on our sub-regional branch lines. The scope of the study will also be informed by the New Stations Study referred to above."
3. Rail service uplift on the bristol to weston line
51.5
"MetroWest Connectivity South (Bristol – Exeter rail corridor) – This project was a core recommendation from the Greater Bristol Strategic Rail Study, which promoted the likely connectivity, economic and operational benefits of improvements to the railway corridor to the south of Bristol. Subject to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority being able to secure contributions from at least two other interest parties, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s funding is proposed to be used to test the high-level business case, including economic and demand analysis, of the project, and will then include design and development works required in support of a Strategic Outline Business Case submission and funding request for future development works. The initial development work will build on previous design work by Network Rail which identified likely infrastructure enhancements required to enable a rail service uplift between Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-super-Mare. Further V-Sept23 development work and greater understanding of the likely business case and benefits will support future discussions with other potential funders, such as Highways England (who are interested due to the potential release of capacity on the M5), about longer-term development and delivery funding."
Obviously this is all very early doors but looks promising in regards to getting the electrification side of things rolling again, after it's gone quiet for a period.
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