Next 50 Bids for reopenings

[Bald Rick]

That, surely, makes four tracking Aberystwyth - Carmarthen look good.

Surely it’s for the Cheese traffic. Perhaps Messrs Wallace and Gromit can build it.

 

[Llandudno]

Mind you it will probably cost less to reopen/build all 50 bids listed than complete HS2.....!

 

[6Gman]

Mind you it will probably cost less to reopen/build all 50 bids listed than complete HS2.....!

Possibly. But probably to less benefit.

 

[Brush 4]

Bletchley Viaduct rebuilding has been committed to and that looks a lot more expensive than Meldon would be. It was restored a few years ago so, any further work would be less wide ranging than Bletchley. If it was that dangerous, it would be closed to walkers/cyclists and, the road underneath would be closed. Some strengthening may be necessary but, modern trains are less heavy than Bullied Pacifics and without the hammerblow.

 

[Ashley Hill]

Like I've said,there always seems an excuse for not rebuilding Okehampton-Bere Alston and it's been discussed on other threads. My own cynical view is the reason Bere Alston-Tavistock never happens is that the argument for not reopening to Okehampton would be very much weakened.

 

[Bald Rick]

Bletchley Viaduct rebuilding has been committed to and that looks a lot more expensive than Meldon would be. It was restored a few years ago so, any further work would be less wide ranging than Bletchley. If it was that dangerous, it would be closed to walkers/cyclists and, the road underneath would be closed. Some strengthening may be necessary but, modern trains are less heavy than Bullied Pacifics and without the hammerblow.

I’m glad that’s cleared that up.

But wait...

• Meldon viaduct, an 165 metre long and 46 metre high listed structure located immediately south of Meldon quarry, is too badly deteriorated for re-use. A new structure would be required, adjacent to the existing viaduct.

... who is right then?

 

[Brush 4]

If they are committed, they will do that....

 

[Ashley Hill]

I seem to remember a television program recently (Possibly Walking Britains Railways) saying a recent survey of the viaduct reported that it wasn't as bad as first thought. But then someone could commission a survey of their own and suggest quite the opposite.

 

[WatcherZero]

All these MP's pet project studies is getting ridiculous. The government is studying three separate conflicting proposals for Blackpool for example, light rail, heavy rail reopening and a passing loop.

 

[Bald Rick]

All these MP's pet project studies is getting ridiculous. The government is studying three separate conflicting proposals for Blackpool for example, light rail, heavy rail reopening and a passing loop.

To be fair, With a handful of exceptions, these aren’t MPs pet projects. They are the pet projects of the people who dream up pet projects like this! But they need MP support to get into the process.

 

[Brush 4]

A search hasn't found any more info. Lots of local paper stories but word for word, the same report. The DfT page says updated May 23. Such a casual unprofessional approach. The previous list had to be corrected by others, after announcing that the never closed St Albans Abbey branch would be reopened. It was just a passing loop, as we all knew anyway. The Waterside line could have been anywhere on the coast or by a river. Turned out to be the Fawlay branch. They have clarified their vagueness now.

 

[DarloRich]

To be fair, With a handful of exceptions, these aren’t MPs pet projects. They are the pet projects of the people who dream up pet projects like this! But they need MP support to get into the process.

And a local mp isnt going to say: sorry chaps this idea is total bunkum i cant support this tosh!

He is going to sign the paper work, issue a few meaningless sound bites for the local paper, bank the easy publicity and store it away for the next election!

All the while posters here (and others) lap it up. At least it deflects attention from the real investment questions!

 

[Ashley Hill]

All the while posters here (and others) lap it up. At least it deflects attention from the real investment questions

I wouldn't say we are lapping it up. Most of us know in reality little will happen. In a few years time another list will be published which will then be forgotten about. And repeat with every change of government.

 

[Dunfanaghy Rd]

I seem to remember a television program recently (Possibly Walking Britains Railways) saying a recent survey of the viaduct reported that it wasn't as bad as first thought. But then someone could commission a survey of their own and suggest quite the opposite.

It (actually they) may be in reasonable nick but, in its heyday, it was subject to an axle-loading restriction of, I think, 18 tons. Given that part of the case for reinstatement between Okehampton and Bere Alston is to provide a diversion to the Dawlish line it needs to be capable of supporting 22.5 tons (maybe 25 tons), to a) carry diverted freight from Cornwall, and b) carry NR engineers trains to get to wherever the damage is (from behind, so to speak). A modern bridge behind the listed structure wouldn't be too obtrusive, and would be more maintenance friendly.
Just my two penn'oth.
Pat

 

[Ashley Hill]

Indeed.NR or the government will say the cost of strengthening or total replacement would be prohibitive and that would be the end of that. If we can come up with these excuses think what the Sir Humphrey's in Whitehall could create to radically reduce that list from 50 to 0.

 

[Brush 4]

It would help if we knew what was on the list......

 

[Mcr Warrior]

To be fair, With a handful of exceptions, these aren’t MPs pet projects. They are the pet projects of the people who dream up pet projects like this! But they need MP support to get into the process.

Is this essentially the same as the "Restoring Beeching Closures" scheme which is referred to in the Cotswold Line Promotion Group's latest newsletter (Summer 2020)?

The CLPG chairman states that they were given very short notice of the scheme application process, and had to get an MP sponsor, and provide a substantial case for the grant within just four days.

The CLPG (together with the Shakespeare Line Promotion Group and Leamington Spa Rail User Group) applied for funding for an assessment of the reopening of the former line between Stratford upon Avon and Honeybourne and their cause was hampered when one of the local MPs declined to sponsor.

Apparently, the CLPG application was not successful in the initial round of applications, so maybe there were quite a few more than just 50 bids.

 

[PR1Berske]

I think cynicism is unavoidable when the lists of bids are kept so hidden and difficult to confirm, and also because there seems to be a number of different schemes running at the same time without much clarity over individual stages, progress etc.

If the public is to feel involved, involve the public!

 

[Unixman]

The Times has the full list:

Beeching reversal: Fifty disused rail lines on track to reopen

The reopening of up to 50 disused railway lines or stations will be considered as part of a reversal of the infamous Beeching cuts, it was announced yesterday.At present many of the disused lines are used as cycle or walking tracks while some remain as heritage lines staffed by volunteers, or as

www.thetimes.co.uk

THE SHORTLISTED BIDS

Yorkshire and Humberside
Reinstatement of the Beverley to York rail line
Restoration of a daily train service on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Upper Wensleydale Railway
Restoring Passenger Rail to the Sheaf Valley
Restoring a South Humber Link
South Yorkshire Joint Railway
New station at Waverley

Midlands
Reopening Stratford-upon-Avon to Honeybourne-Worcester/Oxford (SWO) Railway Line
More stopping services at Radcliffe-on-Trent and Bottesford stations on the Poacher line between Grantham and Nottingham
Increased services to Nottingham and Leicester, via Syston and Loughborough from Melton Mowbray
Reconnecting Ashfield Communities through the Maid Marian Line

Wales
Magor and Undy Walkway Station
Restoring services on the Anglesey Central Railway between Gaerwen and Amlych

South West
Shepton Mallet (Mendip Vale)
Radstock railway reinstatement
St Anne’s Park station
Primrose Line
Transforming the Newquay Line
Mid Cornwall Metro
Restoring secondary services on the Great Western main line
Goodrington and Churston Stations
New station for Langport and Somerton Area
Charfield Station
Reinstatement of Bodmin-Wadebridge railway and associated works
Increased service provision Bodmin General-Bodmin Parkway
Ashburton & Buckfastleigh junction railway
Bristol West capacity enhancement
Light railway extension to the Barnstaple Branch (Chivenor Braunton) “TawLink”
Cirencester Community Rail Project
Project Wareham – Complete the link

South East
The Arundel Chord
Re-opening of Camberwell Station, London SE5
Unlocking capacity and services through Bramley (Hants)
Chinnor Railway Aston Rowant extension
Carshalton Beeches step-free access

North West
South Fylde Line Passing Loop
Kenyon Junction Station
Reopening Golborne Railway Station
Reinstatement of Bolton-Radcliffe / Bolton-Bury
Reinstating Beeston Castle and Tarporley railway station
Reopen Midge Hall Station
Re-doubling of the Mid Cheshire Line between Stockport and Altrincham and associated station reopenings
Stockport to Ashton Line
Glazebrook Junction to Skelton Junction
East Didsbury – Stockport

North East
Consett-Newcastle connection
Ferryhill restoration

East
Reopening Wymondham-Dereham line
King’s Lynn to Hunstanton Railway

 

[bluenoxid]

Great to see the list above. I don’t think we got the full list of the first 60.

 

[Unixman]

Is this essentially the same as the "Restoring Beeching Closures" scheme which is referred to in the Cotswold Line Promotion Group's latest newsletter (Summer 2020)?

The CLPG chairman states that they were given very short notice of the scheme application process, and had to get an MP sponsor, and provide a substantial case for the grant within just four days.

The CLPG (together with the Shakespeare Line Promotion Group and Leamington Spa Rail User Group) applied for funding for an assessment of the reopening of the former line between Stratford upon Avon and Honeybourne and their cause was hampered when one of the local MPs declined to sponsor.

Apparently, the CLPG application was not successful in the initial round of applications, so maybe there were quite a few more than just 50 bids.

Looks as if the CLPG were being unduly pessimistic

 

[PR1Berske]

North West
South Fylde Line Passing Loop
Kenyon Junction Station
Reopening Golborne Railway Station
Reinstatement of Bolton-Radcliffe / Bolton-Bury
Reinstating Beeston Castle and Tarporley railway station
Reopen Midge Hall Station
Re-doubling of the Mid Cheshire Line between Stockport and Altrincham and associated station reopenings
Stockport to Ashton Line
Glazebrook Junction to Skelton Junction
East Didsbury – Stockport

Thank you for posting the full list (or at least the list claimed to be the full one!)

As I live in the NW, I'm certainly seeing here schemes I've heard often down the years.

We have discussed on this forum and elsewhere the Blackpool South line, (there is a dedicated thread here : https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/future-of-the-blackpool-south-line.143684/ ) . As mentioned above, however, there are at least three schemes being discussed by different bodies with different aims: heavy and light rail solutions for the length to Lytham, or the length to St Annes, or the entire length. Clarity on this would be key.

Midge Hall has been one of those re-opening ambitions I've been aware of since first getting into railway enthusiasm as hobby nearly twenty-five years ago. The Ormskirk line has many necessary infrastructure priorities lined up for it: Burscough Curves, new station at Burscough Mill Dam Lane, potential Merseyrail extension, improved timetabling for higher frequency services and/or better connectivity with Merseyrail services at Ormskirk, potential rail link to Skelmersdale railway station, and Midge Hall. I know that there is a very significant housing development scheme being considered at the former Leyland test track near Moss Side/Midge Hall, but with so many other financial commitments being asked for here, adding Midge Hall to the list seems to again suggest a lack of focus and clarity.

 

[Unixman]

From a personal note, I am surprised not to see Oswestry-Gobowen on the list. I will ask at the Cambrian Railways group if they applied.

 

[bluenoxid]

From a personal note, I am surprised not to see Oswestry-Gobowen on the list. I will ask at the Cambrian Railways group if they applied.

I think they applied in the first round.

 

[Bald Rick]

Arundel Chord!!
Camberwell!!!!

They’ve been done to death. But evidently not!!!

However there are some (in my view) sensible proposals in here which do need looking at, and which this process is ideally placed to test.

 

[4-SUB 4732]

The Times has the full list:

Beeching reversal: Fifty disused rail lines on track to reopen

The reopening of up to 50 disused railway lines or stations will be considered as part of a reversal of the infamous Beeching cuts, it was announced yesterday.At present many of the disused lines are used as cycle or walking tracks while some remain as heritage lines staffed by volunteers, or as

www.thetimes.co.uk

THE SHORTLISTED BIDS

Yorkshire and Humberside
Reinstatement of the Beverley to York rail line
Restoration of a daily train service on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Upper Wensleydale Railway
Restoring Passenger Rail to the Sheaf Valley
Restoring a South Humber Link
South Yorkshire Joint Railway
New station at Waverley

Midlands
Reopening Stratford-upon-Avon to Honeybourne-Worcester/Oxford (SWO) Railway Line
More stopping services at Radcliffe-on-Trent and Bottesford stations on the Poacher line between Grantham and Nottingham
Increased services to Nottingham and Leicester, via Syston and Loughborough from Melton Mowbray
Reconnecting Ashfield Communities through the Maid Marian Line

Wales
Magor and Undy Walkway Station
Restoring services on the Anglesey Central Railway between Gaerwen and Amlych

South West
Shepton Mallet (Mendip Vale)
Radstock railway reinstatement
St Anne’s Park station
Primrose Line
Transforming the Newquay Line
Mid Cornwall Metro
Restoring secondary services on the Great Western main line
Goodrington and Churston Stations
New station for Langport and Somerton Area
Charfield Station
Reinstatement of Bodmin-Wadebridge railway and associated works
Increased service provision Bodmin General-Bodmin Parkway
Ashburton & Buckfastleigh junction railway
Bristol West capacity enhancement
Light railway extension to the Barnstaple Branch (Chivenor Braunton) “TawLink”
Cirencester Community Rail Project
Project Wareham – Complete the link

South East
The Arundel Chord
Re-opening of Camberwell Station, London SE5
Unlocking capacity and services through Bramley (Hants)
Chinnor Railway Aston Rowant extension
Carshalton Beeches step-free access

North West
South Fylde Line Passing Loop
Kenyon Junction Station
Reopening Golborne Railway Station
Reinstatement of Bolton-Radcliffe / Bolton-Bury
Reinstating Beeston Castle and Tarporley railway station
Reopen Midge Hall Station
Re-doubling of the Mid Cheshire Line between Stockport and Altrincham and associated station reopenings
Stockport to Ashton Line
Glazebrook Junction to Skelton Junction
East Didsbury – Stockport

North East
Consett-Newcastle connection
Ferryhill restoration

East
Reopening Wymondham-Dereham line
King’s Lynn to Hunstanton Railway

Finally a sensible one.

Camberwell.

 

[Horizon22]

The Times has the full list:

Beeching reversal: Fifty disused rail lines on track to reopen

The reopening of up to 50 disused railway lines or stations will be considered as part of a reversal of the infamous Beeching cuts, it was announced yesterday.At present many of the disused lines are used as cycle or walking tracks while some remain as heritage lines staffed by volunteers, or as

www.thetimes.co.uk

THE SHORTLISTED BIDS

Yorkshire and Humberside
Reinstatement of the Beverley to York rail line
Restoration of a daily train service on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Upper Wensleydale Railway
Restoring Passenger Rail to the Sheaf Valley
Restoring a South Humber Link
South Yorkshire Joint Railway
New station at Waverley

Midlands
Reopening Stratford-upon-Avon to Honeybourne-Worcester/Oxford (SWO) Railway Line
More stopping services at Radcliffe-on-Trent and Bottesford stations on the Poacher line between Grantham and Nottingham
Increased services to Nottingham and Leicester, via Syston and Loughborough from Melton Mowbray
Reconnecting Ashfield Communities through the Maid Marian Line

Wales
Magor and Undy Walkway Station
Restoring services on the Anglesey Central Railway between Gaerwen and Amlych

South West
Shepton Mallet (Mendip Vale)
Radstock railway reinstatement
St Anne’s Park station
Primrose Line
Transforming the Newquay Line
Mid Cornwall Metro
Restoring secondary services on the Great Western main line
Goodrington and Churston Stations
New station for Langport and Somerton Area
Charfield Station
Reinstatement of Bodmin-Wadebridge railway and associated works
Increased service provision Bodmin General-Bodmin Parkway
Ashburton & Buckfastleigh junction railway
Bristol West capacity enhancement
Light railway extension to the Barnstaple Branch (Chivenor Braunton) “TawLink”
Cirencester Community Rail Project
Project Wareham – Complete the link

South East
The Arundel Chord
Re-opening of Camberwell Station, London SE5
Unlocking capacity and services through Bramley (Hants)
Chinnor Railway Aston Rowant extension
Carshalton Beeches step-free access

North West
South Fylde Line Passing Loop
Kenyon Junction Station
Reopening Golborne Railway Station
Reinstatement of Bolton-Radcliffe / Bolton-Bury
Reinstating Beeston Castle and Tarporley railway station
Reopen Midge Hall Station
Re-doubling of the Mid Cheshire Line between Stockport and Altrincham and associated station reopenings
Stockport to Ashton Line
Glazebrook Junction to Skelton Junction
East Didsbury – Stockport

North East
Consett-Newcastle connection
Ferryhill restoration

East
Reopening Wymondham-Dereham line
King’s Lynn to Hunstanton Railway

Thanks for the list, but the journalistic quality in the headline to suggest that these are certainly going to reopen is frustrating.

 

[Bald Rick]

Finally a sensible one.

Camberwell.

Very, very expensive though.

 

[Tobbes]

Arundel Chord!!
Camberwell!!!!

They’ve been done to death. But evidently not!!!

However there are some (in my view) sensible proposals in here which do need looking at, and which this process is ideally placed to test.

What's the case for Arundel? Looking at a map, I presume this is a E-N curve off the Brighton line, but what direct services would it allow?

 

[swt_passenger]

What's the case for Arundel? Looking at a map, I presume this is a E-N curve off the Brighton line, but what direct services would it allow?

NR have said previously that it doesn’t allow any extra services because there is nowhere for them to go towards London. Cue the “diversionary route“ card being played.