"Fragile Route" to Avonmouth

[AndyK]

From Network Rail's business plan for the Great Western http://www.networkrail.co.uk/companyinf ... an2006.htm

Network Rail engineers have identified a set of æFragile routesÆ across the country where the addition of any further loco hauled traffic would have a significant impact on the residual life of track and/or structures. The rail freight industry has recently provided to Network Rail a set of 10 year traffic forecasts, and we are presently assessing their implications.

The key route section within this route that has been identified as a fragile route and has clearly defined additional tonnage/train numbers projected by the industry is the Clifton Extension Line (Narroways Hill Junction û Filton West Junction via Avonmouth).

Of course it's historically incorrect to refer to the entire Avonmouth loop as the Clifton Extension Line, but I wonder if this means there are plans for freight trains via Clifton Down. I'm surprised if the Henbury route is regarded as "fragile" as it's had quite a lot of investment (e.g. doubling) in recent years.

The same document also reveals that the reinstatement of the east-to-north curve at Westerleigh is under consideration, to handle diversions. This is as an alternative to re-doubling Swindon to Kemble, which I would have thought was preferable as it would also benefit everyday traffic.

[Tim]

In my opinion,it probably means there are structure(s) on the line that need attention and they don't want to fork out the money,I work on the trading estate next to Montpelier station so I'd love to see something else than the usual sprinters that are there every day!

[GlosLines]

re-doubling the Swindon to Kemble route would certainly have a hugh benefit on rail traffic in that area, and would probably cut the travelling time from Cheltenham to Swindon.