R A I LT R AC K - The Railways Archive

44
Freight-only routes NORTHERN ENGLAND
DRS; EWS; Freightliner.
Route characteristics
DESCRIPTION This is a geographically dispersed group of individual lines and
small networks, most of which are used almost exclusively by freight trains. Some
routes, such as the Chesterfield–Barrow Hill–Woodhouse Line regularly take
diverted passenger services. Linespeeds are generally low and the signalling is
predominantly on traditional manually operated signal boxes.
Route vision
Freight-only lines often provide the crucial link between traffic origin points,
terminals and the rest of the rail network. We intend to continue a programme
of heavy maintenance, primarily to track and structures, to improve the reliability
and availability of the routes. We will encourage the use of these lines and,
Route development and customer requirements
Particular mention should be made of the network of freight lines around
Immingham and Grimsby, including the Humber International Terminal where the
port operators are keen to make even more use of rail. The Brocklesby–
Immingham Line and the line to Hull Docks are both included as part of the
proposed Trans-Pennine W10 route extending across to Liverpool and the
Seaforth container terminal.
Significant increases in traffic on the Bootle Branch, out of the Peak District
These are the route improvements we plan to deliver
CAPACITY CHANGES TO MEET FRANCHISING DIRECTOR, PTE AND CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVER ROUTE VISION
LOCATION PROPOSEDSOLUTION YEAR REF
Various new freight sidings and loading points Track & associated signalling as necessar y Ongoing
CAPABILITY CHANGES TO ACHIEVE ROUTE VISION
LINESPEEDS (km of track) km STOPS CURRENT POSITION 2001 POSITION SUSTAINING THE ROUTE ACHIEVING ROUTE VISION
Up to 35mph 349 349 349 349
40–75mph 269 269 269 269
80–105mph 0 0 0 0
110–125mph 0 0 0 0
Over 125mph 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 618 618 618 618
GAUGE (km of route)
W6A 513 513 513 513
W7 428 428 428 428
W8 368 368 368 368
W9 0 0 0 0
W10 0 0 0 0
AXLE WEIGHT (km of track)
where possible, open them up to passenger services with the opportunities for
enhanced investment that this may provide. The development of a passenger
service on the Blyth and Tyne route is being considered in association with
industry partners.
and between Ditton and Latchford have placed considerable additional demands
on the routes, and we are adapting our maintenance strategy to ensure that the
quality of our infrastructure meets the current and future requirements of our
customers.
Most other routes are expected to see at least a small increase in traffic,
but it is also important that the future of routes with reducing levels of traffic, or
no traffic at all, are kept under review.
Up to 20.3 tonnes 29 29 29 29
20.4 tonnes to 23.4 tonnes 589 589 589 589
23.5 tonnes to 25.4 tonnes 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 618 618 618 618
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