Great Western Coffee Shop

Network Rail says the scheme is currently in the first stage of the GRIP (the eight-stage Guide to Railway Investment Projects) and a feasibility study is being carried out. If the results are positive , work could start as early as 2008/09. (link below.)
http://www.christianwolmar.co.uk/articles/rail/551.shtml

Before we get too excited , Wolmar also raises some other points including :

"There are, of course, a whole host of difficulties ahead. No costing is available so far and the work may prove to be more difficult than expected. When the track was singled, it was moved to the middle because of concerns about weak embankments, and both moving the track and shoring up the embankments will add to the costs. When Chiltern and Railtrack redoubled just nine miles of plain line track between Bicester and Aynho junctions three years ago, the bill was a staggering ^60m.Therefore, it would not take much for a relatively modest scheme like Swindon to Kemble to reach three figures quite easily."

There are dozens of worthwhile schemes with strong business cases that only require the will and a bit of cash. For example, I was recently sent the proposal to reopen Kenilworth station between Coventry and Leamington Spa which would provide three times the amount of benefits compared with its ^4m cost. Network Rail^s ability to bring these schemes to fruition is an important test of whether the current structure is a viable way to run the railway.

Am i missing something but its not 14 miles from Swindon to Kemble is it?

Not sure how Mike Greedy feels about being called "FGW's passenger focus manager".......

I personally think that complete re-doubling of the whole line will not get approved any time soon due to the costs involved, whilst Graham is right in that earthworks are largely in place, the track in many sections has been realigned to allow higher speeds and slews from one side of the former double track to the other, so unfortunately it's not just a case of plonking another track down next to the existing one.

Also, Lee has a valid point regarding Ascott-U-W, Combe and Finstock. As well as those smaller stations, the larger stations at Hanborough, Charlbury, Honeybourne and Pershore would have to have additional platforms added (though the old platforms are substantially complete still at Honeybourne and Pershore).

Personally, I think that a more modest scheme should be called for as (given the current cost or re-instating railway infrastructure) that is much more likely to be funded, and would provide real, tangible improvements that are deperately required so that a punctual, slightly faster, hourly (half-hourly in peak) service can operate.

I would suggest some, if not all, of the following improvements covering the Oxford-Norton Junction section should be included (although many of the problems with capacity are connected with the outdated signalling and track layouts at Worcester and Malvern too of course!)

1) Resignalling with colour-light Track Circuit Block signals throughout, replacing Norton Junction, Evesham, Moreton and Ascott signalboxes and associated token equipment.
2) Redoubling of short sections immediately beyond Wolvercote and Norton Juntions to enable trains waiting to go onto the single line to not have to block the main line whilst they wait.
3) Passing loops to be installed within the single track sections to virtually double capacity for service recovery, one in the Pershore area, one in the Chipping Camden area, and one between Finstock and Hanborough (there are two long straight sections of track which are ideal for this as the track has not been moved from the original days).
4) Line-speed increases from 75 to 90+ on most of the Moreton to Evesham section (with the exception of Aston Magna curve and possibly between Camden Tunnel and Honeybourne where track curvature would prevent this).
5) Upgrade of Switches & Crossings (S&C) at Norton Junction in the down directon to increase linespeed from 25mph to 70mph.
6) Upgrade of S&C at Evesham to allow 50mph working throughout station area.
7) Upgrade of S&C at Moreton to increase up direction working off the single line from 15mph to 40mph.
8) Upgrade of S&C at Ascott so that up trains can enter the single line section at 75mph instead of 40mph.
9) Upgrade of S&C at Wolvercote Junction from 40mph to 60mph both directions.

Apologies if this is a little in-depth, but I believe that a good financial case could be made for the above schemes, and that they would help to vastly reduce delays on the Cotswold Line, give adequate capacity for an hourly off-peak service (with room for extra trains in the peak) and also speed up services so that Worcester is within the important aspirational journey time of 1hour to Oxford and 2hrs to London whilst largely maintaining the current calling patterns.

What do people think?

If the proposal only considers the re-laying the track and does not include upgrades to the signaling then the difference to delays will be minimal. Currently you have 1 signal at the Swindon end (in the down direction) to enter the single line and a signal at the Kemble end to exit it. About three quarters of the way through you have distant signal and a main signal protecting a crossing.

If there was no addition signalling installed a train would still have to travel 13 miles 56 chains (I'll take smokeys word for that) from Swindon before another could enter into the section. It takes about 12 or 13 minutes to travel the distance.

A upgrade of all the signals between Swindon and Standish Junction is what is required also if this project gets the go ahead!

A simaler upgrade of track from single to doulbe track in Cornwall, I have heard did not not include the replacement of the signalling system!

I would have thought halving the amount of single track would be a good compromise, particularly as the main benefits seem to be when the Severn Tunnel is closed, so full dualling appears an expensive option for a diversionary route.

But of course, it shouldn't have to be "one or the other".

I agree, John.

Both schemes would (if implemented in an appropriate manner) improve reliability and diversionary potential. However, it is worth pointing out some key differences between the two (as well as those already mentioned) :

- There is more emphasis on potential new passenger services in the Cotswolds scheme than there is in the Stroud Valley scheme.

- The Stroud Valley line is more suitable (currently at least) for extra freight trains than the Cotswolds line is (W8 guage versus W6 guage.)

I also note that Network Rail have revised their tonnage growth forecasts downwards for both lines. These were classed as "High" but are now classed as "Low."

Does this indicate that Network Rail were keen on implementing both schemes, but are no longer quite so enthusiastic?

On the other hand, Andrew Haines did recently express optimism regarding the prospects for Cotswold line enhancements.

"The North Cotswolds line is longer line to be redoubled and is less well used than the Kemble-Swindon stretch,"

Stroud's MP David Drew is calling on the Government to make the upgrading of the line from Kemble to Swindon a priority. He says the nine-mile stretch needs to become a double-track line to boost the frequency of trains between Gloucestershire and London (link below.)
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20504234&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

Now he is poised to ask a Parliamentary Question asking the Government to make the upgrade a priority. "I have been lobbying this for 10 years," he said.

He is concerned that upgrading the North Cotswold Line to double track could be made a priority before the Kemble-Swindon stretch.

He is calling on the ORR to back his campaign and has submitted a parliamentary question asking why the North Cotswold line could be due for an earlier upgrade.


A spokesman for Network Rail said it was keen to upgrade the line, and would seek additional funding.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will publish the Network Rail evaluation of proposals to re-double the Kemble to Swindon line, including any cost predictions. [201573]

Mr. Tom Harris: The Office of Rail Regulation is currently evaluating proposals published by Network Rail this month for enhancing both the North Cotswold and the Stroud Valley lines and expects to publish its preliminary determination in June 2008.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which (a) hon. Members and (b) local authorities have made representations to (i) her and (ii) Network Rail on the re-doubling of (A) the Kemble to Swindon line and (B) the North Cotswold line. [201574]

Mr. Tom Harris: The following hon. Members have made written representations to the Department in the last three years:

Swindon^Kemble line

Geoffrey Clinton-Brown MP

David Drew MP

Mark Harper MP

Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP

Laurence Robertson MP

North Cotswold line

David Cameron MP

Geoffrey Clinton-Brown MP

David Drew MP

Michael Foster MP

Peter Luff MP

John Maples MP

We have received no written representations from local authorities about either line during this period.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria were used to (a) accept the North Cotswolds line and (b) reject the Stroud Valleys line for future re-doubling. [201430]

Mr. Tom Harris: The Government are supportive of rail growth to meet the needs of our growing economy and we have specified and funded the high level improvements in capacity, safety and reliability required by 2014. It is for the rail industry to determine the enhancement schemes required to deliver this specification, subject to independent evaluation by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).

The ORR is currently evaluating proposals published by Network Rail this month for enhancing both the North Cotswold and the Stroud Valley lines and expects to publish its preliminary determination in June 2008.

Oh, and not all the track needs to be moved for a re-doubling - there is a good stretch of the old track still in place, albeit rotten, alongside the current single track from Swindon for a good few miles.

Axe Norton Junction signal box, motorise the points, add an HST length loop on the branch, put in new colour signals, add everything to one of the Worcester signal boxes, continue the 90 mph speed limit to just outside Shrub Hill.

Flipping Heck Btline what do you think we are trained in the art of kamikazi train driving or something! ;D I can just see it now. The first day of the new working and the first Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill HST coming off the road as he went speeding through those points ( which gives a bit of a kick at 25) at 90mph! ;)

What's happened to all the signal engineers.

It shouldn't be that difficult to put in a small SSSI at Wolvercote multiplexed to the Oxford panel. When Oxford is upgraded it can interface with the new equipment.

to get Cotswold trains off the mainline

"My view is that good start would be to add a 4 miles of double track from Wolvercote to Hanborough (exclusive) to get Cotswold trains off the mainline and shorten the single line section,  without having to rebuild any stations.

 
There is already the facility to do this as there is a signal protecting the single line 500 yds past Wolvercote. However it would only help if nothing was coming along in the up direction.

The Stroud Valley scheme is among those ruled out by the ORR (link below.)
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2008/06/network_rail_told_to_make_cuts.html#more

"I will commit my own officials to working with the industry to make the case very strongly to the ORR that the re-doubling of this lane (article probably meant to say "line") should in fact go ahead."

Lee, are you sure he isn't referring to a road that runs next to the railway? He clearly says lane! :)

Damn you, you edited...  :P

Strengthening Victorian shafts at Sapperton

A ^2m improvement scheme is set to improve the four deep shafts in the century-old Sapperton rail tunnel.

Once the improvement work is completed, passengers will benefit from a more reliable rail service in the Stroud and Kemble area.  Work will begin next Sunday night and will be carried out round the clock into the small hours of 31 October. Old capping beams will make way for new concrete ones ^ designed to last for the next 125 years, providing a permanent solution to secure the voids and to strengthen the rail tunnel.

Chris Rayner, route director, Network Rail said: ^A complex scheme like this will normally take six to eight weeks, but we will be completing it in just under a week to minimise any inconvenience caused to passengers.  We will also make full use of this six days to carry out strengthening work on the embankment wall near Kemble station. We have recently held a series of meet-the-manager sessions with First Great Western and the feedback received are very positive.  We would like to thank passengers for their patience and for giving us their support to carry out this work.^

Measuring 6m wide by nearly 50m deep, these shafts were among the 10 built in the 19th century to allow workers to access into the hillside to construct the Sapperton railway tunnel.  However, they were not backfilled and were instead capped off with a combination of concrete and timber after the construction of the tunnel was completed.

As these four shafts were built beneath the 1 3/8 mile long railway tunnel, track and rail ballast must be removed for engineers to access them safely.  Road-rail cranes will be used to lift and install the pre-cast concrete beams, weighing 4 tonnes each, into the shafts.

An army of 100 men will be moving nearly 1,000 tonnes of materials and eight 25m-long track into and out of an inaccessible area.

Alternative train and coach services will be provided to rail passengers travelling between Swindon ^ Cheltenham Spa.  Passengers are advised to check their journey time before they travel.

Woman suffers neck fractures and serious leg injuries after Stroud Railway Station incident

A 59 year old woman suffered two neck fractures and serious leg injuries after it is believed she jumped in front of a train pulling into Stroud Railway Station on Friday (20/08/2010).

Fire crews used specialist hydraulic equipment to lift the carriage of the South West Trains locomotive to free the woman after the incident which happened at 10.15am. She was treated on the platform by paramedics and taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. A Great Western Air Ambulance was called but the woman was eventually transported by road ambulance. All three fire appliances from Stroud, including the specialist rescue appliance, and one appliance from Gloucester attended. A Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said kit was used from all engines to deal with the incident.

Around 100 passengers were evacuated from the 9.40am Cheltenham to Swindon train service and waited patiently outside Stroud Railway Station as the crew worked to free the woman from beneath the train.

A British Transport Police spokesman said the incident was not being treated as suspicious - meaning no-one else was involved.

The woman's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening but a spokesman for British Transport Police said they could be life-changing.

The line was handed back to Network Rail at 11.20am and a normal service was resumed at noon.

UPDATE: Woman's leg amputated below knee after Stroud Railway Station incident

A 59 year old woman, who is thought to have jumped in front of a train at Stroud Railway Station, has had part of her left leg amputated.

A British Transport Police spokesman told the SNJ: "I can confirm that the woman has had the lower part of her left leg amputated below the knee.

"She is still at Frenchay Hospital and her condition remains serious but stable."

continues.....

Line problem: at Stroud

Following a person hit by a train at Stroud all lines have now reopened.
Train services running through this station may be cancelled, delayed or diverted at short notice. Disruption is expected until 00:15 12/01.

Train Cancellation

21:54 Swindon to Cheltenham Spa due 23:05 This train will be cancelled.
This is due to a person hit by a train.

Other Train Service Updates

20:48 Cheltenham Spa to Swindon due 21:51 This train has been delayed and is expected to be 62 minutes late from Gloucester.
This is due to a person hit by a train.

22:01  Cheltenham Spa to Swindon due 23:05 This train will be started from Gloucester at 22:14.
This train will no longer call at Cheltenham Spa.
This is due to a person hit by a train.

Woman dies after being hit by train in Stroud

A woman died when she was hit by a train in Stroud station last night.

Passengers on the London-Cheltenham service felt the bump as the train hit the woman at about 8.30pm.

The train was stopped and the line closed for about two hours as British Transport police investigated the scene and recovered the woman's body.

Passengers were eventually taken on to Cheltenham station by coach.

One of the passengers, hairdresser Mark Blake, a partner in Blushes, which has salons in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Cirencester, said "We were just coasting into Stroud station when it happened. We clearly felt the bump and the poor woman ended up under the rear carriage, where I was sitting. It was all very upsetting but I have to say the railway staff handled everything very well and kept us informed at all stages. We could see the woman's red handbag close to our carriage. Apparently it had her passport in it."

He said he was delayed for no more than an hour or so and was then able to get to his car, which was parked at Stroud station, and drive home. It may have been a longer journey, though, for those who had to wait for a coach to take them to Cheltenham.

Mr Blake said it was not the first time he had suffered such an experience - a similar thing happened to him when he was on the same train service at Slough a few months ago.

A request to improve disabled access at Stroud railway station is to be made by Gloucestershire County Council.

The authority has said it will raise the issue as part of a consultation to select a new management firm for the station, which is currently maintained by First Great Western on behalf of owners Network Rail.

Concerns were first raised by Stroud town councillors about a lack of facilities to assist disabled passengers between platforms.

A wooden bridge on site has no lift or ramps and a passenger with limited mobility wishing to cross the tracks would be forced to exit the station to access the adjacent platform via Rowcroft.

The consultation runs until the end of March, during which GCC will also flag up similar poor access facilities at Gloucester station.

Better disabled access is needed at Stroud Railway Stations, says Green county councillor Sarah Lunnon.

The Stroud East ward member says groups should call for better access now the Government's consultation on the new franchise for the rail provider for the South West is under way.

"I have asked the county council to ask what is going to be done to improve access," she said.

"Kemble, Gloucester and Stroud all have access issues."

Rail passengers, local councils and other interested groups have until March 31 to say what improvements they want to see delivered by the new Great Western rail franchise, which is to be renewed in 2013.

The Stroud Special tourist train scheme to bring visitors to the town is to be relaunched on Monday.

Representatives from the town's chamber of trade, community groups and tourist attractions will be gathering at London's Paddington Station to give it a new kick start.

The project has the backing of train operator First Great Western, which will be offering incentives for daytrippers travelling by train to Stroud.

"Independent traders in Stroud will be offering special deals to people travelling with the Stroud Special ticket," said Carole Garfield, chairman of Stroud and District Chamber of Trade. "We will encourage people to get involved in our festivals and visitor attractions."

The team going to London will include representatives from the Five Valleys Festival, the Museum in the Park and Painswick's Rococo Gardens.

Wearing Stroud Special sweatshirts, courtesy of Bateman's sport shop, the delegation hopes to make its mark on Paddington's main concourse.

Laying platform to make town special

A group of business people from around Stroud took over the main concourse at London's Paddington Station last week to promote the town and its attractions.

First Great Western has launched the Stroud Special train ticket to encourage visitors to sample all that is on offer, from the area's artisan shops to attractions such as the Rococo Gardens in Painswick.

​(http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/images/localpeople/ugc-images/275784/Article/images/16217106/3822795.png)
BEAR NECESSITIES: Carole Garfield with some of the traders promoting Stroud at Paddington

The Stroud Special initiative is a collaborative effort between Stroud Chamber of Commerce & Trade, local traders, festivals, Stroud District Council and First Great Western.

Representatives from attractions as diverse as the Farmers Market and Art Couture, Painswick went to Paddington wearing Stroud is Special T-shirts.

"Stroud and the surrounding valleys are vibrant, interesting and full of exciting things just waiting to be discovered," said Carole Garfield, chairperson of Stroud Chamber of Commerce and Trade. The town has captured the heart and imagination of many people, and it was once described by the London Standard as 'Notting Hill with wellies'.

"First Great Western is impressed with the community spirit behind Stroud Special and has given us this wonderful opportunity to promote our area to people passing through Paddington station."

Mark Hopwood, managing director of First Great Western, said: "As part of our commitment to support local communities, First Great Western is delighted to be working with the Stroud Chamber of Commerce to extend the Stroud Special ticket. It is a great initiative which I hope will boost visitor numbers to Stroud and encourage more people to travel by rail."

When people purchase a Stroud Special train ticket they will find special offers in every independent local Stroud shop.

Community transport links have also been enhanced so that people can pre-book lifts outside the town centre.

TOILET facilities at Stroud railway station have been improved thanks to a ^150,000 investment by First Great Western.

The operator carried out the upgrades as part of a UK-wide programme of station investments.

Stroud MP Neil Carmichael, who opened the facilities, said: "I use this station regularly and am delighted that First Great Western has invested such a large amount of money."

TOILET facilities at Stroud railway station have been improved thanks to a ^150,000 investment by First Great Western.

Grade II listed Stroud station footbridge to be refurbished

Stroud station footbridge is set for renovation with Network Rail about to begin work in the Gloucestershire town.

The programme to refurbish the Grade II listed bridge, built in 1914, begins on Tuesday 27 August and will be completed in spring next year.

While the work takes place, sections of the car park on either side of the station will be out of use to allow Network Rail’s contractor, SISK Rail, to operate safely.

Around 34 of the 150 spaces at the station will be suspended. Another car park, run by Stroud District Council, is available a short walk away off Cheapside.

The footbridge span will be taken down and moved to the car park to be renovated. It will be grit blasted, and its timber and steelwork repaired and then repainted. The staircase treads and timbers and the station building canopies will also be refurbished.

To maintain access between the two platforms, a temporary bridge will be built at the south-east end of the station.

Network Rail portfolio manager John Charlton said:

“Our work will carefully upgrade this historic station and ensure it remains safe for passengers.

“We’re sorry for the disruption but this essential work will benefit Stroud for decades to come.”

 

GWR station manager for the South Cotswolds area Ben Scott said:

“We are pleased to see that these station improvements are about to get underway to upgrade the facilities for our customers at Stroud.

“However, these renewal works will significantly reduce the number of parking spaces available in the station car park up until early 2025.

“Alternative parking is available a short walk from the station in the adjacent Stroud District Council car park off Cheapside.

“In addition, APCOA permit holders will also be able to use permits for Stroud at Kemble station instead in car park number three.

“We apologise for any inconvenience these temporary changes may cause, but this work is essential to maintain the station footbridge.” 

 

I have not used Stroud for a fair time,is really in a bad state?
Not sure what the costs of the renovation is costing,
but could a lift not have been a better option?