London Banter - View Single Post - Met line - Watford

Colin Rosenstiel · December 7th 05, 09:28 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article ,
(Richard J.) wrote:

Colin Rosenstiel wrote:
In article ,
(Richard J.) wrote:

Colin Rosenstiel wrote:

Blocking the W10 gauge container train route from Felixstowe to
the West Midlands will case massive diversion to road onto the trunk
road which already has one of the highest proportions of lorries
on one of the busiest roads in the country.

It says "removal of 9'6" freight from the NLL *by upgrading
alternate routes*".

But are there alternative routes to the WCML that entirely avoid the
NLL?

Hmm, I see what you mean. How about Felixtowe-Bury St
Edmunds-Ely-Peterborough-Leicester-Nuneaton?

Ho, ho! No electrification for starters nor any prospect of it. No W10
gauge, not even to Peterborough, and a highly congested route,
particularly the single track section between Soham and Ely where
existing freight traffic is already limiting passenger aspirations. This
section has always been single track so doubling would be a challenge to
say the least.

Enlarging Manton Tunnel (between Peterborough and Leicester) to W10
gauge could also be "interesting". Then there are all the conflicting
moves crossing the MML both North and South of Leicester. Then you can
have fun and games crossing the WCML on the flat at Nuneaton, once
connections there have been restored at all.

All in all, one sees why freight interests are so concerned about
Crossrail and the Mayor's plans.

--
Colin Rosenstiel