"Jamie Thompson" wrote

I've proposed this several times, as it seems quite a no-brainer to me
to give a totally segregated DC metro service from Watford Junction to
Surrey Quays and the branches following it. If more of the freight
could be diverted via the Goblin and Hampstead Heath (or better yet,
via some other route bypassing inner London), then the issue of the
fright loops becomes moot. The LO lines are no different to the SSL
lines, and we all know what capacities are possible on those.

Freight from the GEML can't realistically use Goblin, which in any event
will be heavily used from Ripple Lane and the new port at Thames Haven, and
potentially from HS1 via the Rainham freight link. The freight via Goblin is
likely to need all available paths via Hampstead Heath, though there is a
need for freight from the GEML bound for the GWML, the SWML, or the WLL to
run via Camden Road and Hampstead Heath. This means that freight from the
GEML to Willesden or the WCML has to run via Primrose Hill. Then your
segregation of the ELLX to run via Primrose Hill, and the NLL via Camden
Road and Hampstead Heath will be compromised by freight crossing between the
two lines Between Highbury and Camden Road, or at Camden Road.

If a passenger service is to be reinstated over the Primrose Hill link, a
much better arrangement would be for the ELLX to continue to terminate at
Highbury & Islington or Dalston Junction, with NLL services running
Stratford to Richmond via Hampstead Heath, and Stratford to the DC lines via
Primrose Hill. Electrification of Goblin and alterations at Gospel Oak might
also allow a Barking to Clapham Junction service.

Peter