R A I LT R AC K - The Railways Archive

Route characteristics
DESCRIPTION The route is principally a non-electrified two-track railway but
with some critical single-line sections. The signalling system is predominantly
mechanical, with radio-electronic token block on the Cambrian lines. Linespeed
Route vision
A highly reliable railway which enables our customers to operate regular longdistance
and local services, combined with the judicious use of cost-effective
linespeed initiatives leading to opportunities for improved journey times.
We will continue to work with external stakeholders to make the case for
further socio-economic investment in the route through specific initiatives.
Route development and customer requirements
We have consulted with our customers, the passenger and freight train opera t o rs ,
to determine their needs and how we evaluate them. The proposals set out in
this NMS address all these intentions to deliver their aspirations for serv i c e
f r e q u e n c y, customer- i n fo rmation systems and new rolling stock.
We will also examine the options to improve capacity and journey times in
line with current operator aspirations.
We will continue to work with industry partners, local authorities and
These are the route improvements we plan to deliver
is predominantly 70mph with some sections attracting a maximum linespeed of
80mph. The route can be subdivided as follows: Wolverhampton–Shrewsbury–
Wrexham, Shrewsbury–Aberystwyth, and Machynlleth–Pwllheli.
The strategy of renewal of the timber bridges on the route, to enable the
reinstatement of full linespeed will be completed when the works to Barmouth
Viaduct (Grade II listed) are finished. Work is continuing to prevent erosion of
sea defences of both Friog Cliffs and Afon Wen.
outside developers to improve our stations. In particular, we will address the ease
of interchange with other transport modes, provide better car parking, real-time
passenger-information systems and access for the disabled.
We look forward to working with train and freight operators, the public,
local authorities, the Franchising Director, the Rail Regulator and central
Government to ensure that our vision becomes a reality.
CAPACITY CHANGES TO MEET FRANCHISING DIRECTOR, PTE AND CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVER ROUTE VISION
LOCATION PROPOSED SOLUTION YEAR REF
Wolverhampton–Chester, Aberystwyth and Pwllheli None required
CAPABILITY CHANGES TO ACHIEVE ROUTE VISION
JOURNEY TIMES km STOPS CURRENT POSITION 2001 POSITION SUSTAINING THE ROUTE ACHIEVING ROUTE VISION
Wolverhampton–Shrewsbury 47 2 50mph (35min) No change No change 54mph (32min)
Shrewsbury–Pwllheli 191 25 35mph (3hr 25min) No change No change 36mph (3hr 17min)
Shrewsbury–Aberystwyth 132 6 47mph (1hr 44min) No change No change 52mph (1hr 35min)
Dovey Junction–Pwllheli 93 24 32mph (1hr 48min) No change No change 33mph (1hr 45min)
LINESPEEDS (km of track)
Up to 35mph 22 22 22 22
40–75mph 377 377 377 377
80–105mph 31 31 31 31
110–125mph 0 0 0 0
Over 125mph 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 430 430 430 430
GAUGE (km of route)
W6A 329 329 329 329
W7 2 2 2 2
W8 2 2 2 2
W9 0 0 0 0
W10 0 0 0 0
AXLE WEIGHT (km of track)
Up to 20.3 tonnes 190 190 190 190
20.4 tonnes to 23.4 tonnes 240 240 240 240
23.5 tonnes to 25.4 tonnes 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 430 430 430 430
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