R A I LT R AC K - The Railways Archive

45
Freight-only routes SCOTLAND ZONE
DRS; EWS; Freightliner.
Route characteristics
DESCRIPTION This route is a diverse mixture of running lines and branches,
some of which are not in use. Apart from double track in the Millerhill
Yard/South Suburban Complex, the route is primarily single track. Running lines
account for 27% of the route, split approximately 40% double track and 60%
single track. Maximum linespeeds range from 5–60mph according to line. The
branches are single track with lengths ranging from 1–20km in length and with
maximum speeds from 5–45mph.
Route vision
Our vision is of the freight renaissance within Scotland continuing in line with the
growth forecasts being made by DRS, EWS and Freightliner who have recently
commenced operations to Torness and Hunterston.
All of our customers require the provision to operate more trains with
improved pathing arrangements. They also require improved access to operate
larger, heavier and longer trains. Both EWS and their customers are seeking to
reopen disused sidings and provide suitable loading facilities as well as being
involved in the construction of new loading/unloading facilities. We have taken
forward the customers’ proposals and will carry out implementation works at
locations when agreements have been reached with all relevant parties. We
accept these requirements and are working with all parties to grow the business.
These are the route improvements we plan to deliver
The lines from Monktonhall Junction to Portobello Junction via Millerhill Yard and
between Whifflet and Sunnyside are electrified with 25kV OLE. Signalling is a
mixture of semaphore, colour-light and various token arrangements controlled
from five signalling centres and nine other signal boxes.
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 174 174 174 179
40–75mph 48 48 48 56
80–105mph 0 0 0 0
110–125mph 0 0 0 0
Over 125mph 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 222 222 222 235
GAUGE (km of route)
W6A 193 193 193 206
W7 193 193 193 206
W8 34 34 34 47
W9 3 3 3 19
W10 0 0 0 0
AXLE WEIGHT (km of track)
We are actively working towards updating the East Coast Main Line and Shotts
routes to increase capability to W10 gauge. We have put in place the facility to
carry refrigerated traffic between Mossend and Inverness and on to Thurso
enabling substantial volumes of traffic to be transferred from road to rail.
With increasing freight volumes and services, coupled with a raised interest
by road hauliers in rail options, network accessibility is becoming a key objective.
We will continue to reopen mothballed sidings and provide new connections and
loading points wherever these are commercially viable. We are endeavouring to
provide innovative solutions to meet customers’ needs whether they are for
short- or long-term duration, while promoting 24-hour access to the network.
Up to 20.3 tonnes 37 37 37 37
20.4 tonnes to 23.4 tonnes 82 82 82 82
23.5 tonnes to 25.4 tonnes 103 103 103 116
TOTAL 222 222 222 235
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