Chris125
Established Member
- Joined
- 12 Nov 2009
- Messages
- 3,076
The government wants a HS2 branch to Heathrow, almost certainly needing a sizeable length of tunnel and a new underground station for relatively infrequent 400m trains.
Now im not usually a fan of 'fantasy land' suggestions, but with HS2 needing every path possible and GWML capacity becoming an issue wouldnt it make more sense to give Heathrow Express, probably operated as part of Crossrail, its own dedicated line?
With the growth in long distance services predicted to force HEx off the fast lines and into a slower 'skip stop' Crossrail service on the relief lines before HS2 even opens, a new line from Royal Oak/OOC would relieve both the already congested relief lines of such a service while preserving a true express service to Heathrow for Central London and HS2 passengers.
While it may need a longer tunnel than the HS2 branch, it would surely see much more use without needing to be built to continental loading gauge or requiring any new station/tunnelling at Heathrow.
Thoughts?
Chris
Now im not usually a fan of 'fantasy land' suggestions, but with HS2 needing every path possible and GWML capacity becoming an issue wouldnt it make more sense to give Heathrow Express, probably operated as part of Crossrail, its own dedicated line?
With the growth in long distance services predicted to force HEx off the fast lines and into a slower 'skip stop' Crossrail service on the relief lines before HS2 even opens, a new line from Royal Oak/OOC would relieve both the already congested relief lines of such a service while preserving a true express service to Heathrow for Central London and HS2 passengers.
While it may need a longer tunnel than the HS2 branch, it would surely see much more use without needing to be built to continental loading gauge or requiring any new station/tunnelling at Heathrow.
Thoughts?
Chris