Something just got me wondering — how much gauge clearance will be done for the IEP, especially now that we know something similar is probably going to go to Cornwall too?
Obviously the main lines will be done. But what about diversionary routes? I'm talking about things like the Melksham branch, the Waterloo to Exeter line, the Swindon-Gloucester-South Wales lines, the Castle Cary to Weymouth line for the summer former HST specials and diversions via Yeovil Pen Mill, etc. There are similar ones for East Coast but I'm much less familiar with the area — but things like parts of the WCML used in major blockades and similarly lines such as the Newcastle and Carlisle, etc.
I'm just concerned that, on top of the options lost due to electrification (putting the ridiculousness of some stations, particularly Bedwyn, losing out on regular direct services aside) there will be even more options lost, even for the hybrid trains, due to the lack of gauge clearance works. So does anyone know exactly how much will be done?
Obviously the main lines will be done. But what about diversionary routes? I'm talking about things like the Melksham branch, the Waterloo to Exeter line, the Swindon-Gloucester-South Wales lines, the Castle Cary to Weymouth line for the summer former HST specials and diversions via Yeovil Pen Mill, etc. There are similar ones for East Coast but I'm much less familiar with the area — but things like parts of the WCML used in major blockades and similarly lines such as the Newcastle and Carlisle, etc.
I'm just concerned that, on top of the options lost due to electrification (putting the ridiculousness of some stations, particularly Bedwyn, losing out on regular direct services aside) there will be even more options lost, even for the hybrid trains, due to the lack of gauge clearance works. So does anyone know exactly how much will be done?