Okehampton-Tavistock. Discussion on reopening and potential use as a diversionary route

[whole diary]

[LiskeardRich]

Westcountry news on itv this evening are discussing that the government are exploring a dawlish avoider, announced in Exeter this morning, most likely via Okehampton. An ‘expert’ says it will cost the equivalent of 2miles of HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s)) to restore Okehampton to Plymouth!

[grahame]

Westcountry news on itv this evening are discussing that the government are exploring a dawlish avoider, announced in Exeter this morning, most likely via Okehampton. An ‘expert’ says it will cost the equivalent of 2miles of HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s)) to restore Okehampton to Plymouth!

HS2 mile equivalents is an excellent unit of measurement 

This seems a sensible idea on the part of the government. Perhaps they could fast-track any consultations as elements have been looked at before AND it's in line with stated policy of re-opening Beechinged lines AND it would do so much for the area, AND it's at a cost of less that 5km of HS2 (that's the metric equivalent of HS2 miles!)

Full credit to the government in coming up with this excellent idea even if borrowed from elsewhere!

[Umberleigh]

An interesting feature:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/01/okehampton-residents-welcome-talk-of-reopening-railway-lines

[mods please merge if required]

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thanks for posting, Umberleigh. 

Purely in the interests of continuity and clarity, I've now moved and merged a couple of existing discussion topics here - all relating to Okehampton.

Hope this helps. 

[LiskeardRich]

Okerail have posted the following on Facebook...

There are posters going up in Okehampton with misleading information regarding the trial.

1. The poster says the trial will start in 2018. This not accurate. No date has been set by DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) yet. Talks are being had by them with GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) as soon as we know a date we will say. In truth 2019 is more likely.

2. It says that there will be a 300 place park and ride. While there will be a car park, there has been no absolute commitment yet. 300 would be the absolute maximum but doesn’t allow for buses. A park and ride in the sense of those in cities, is not what is being looked at. Work is going on now relating to the New Parkway station and the car park. We will post about that when we can.

3. It also says that it will run through to Exeter Central. While this is an aspiration, at the moment there is no commitment. GWR are aware of the importance of Central as a destination and it is part of the discussions going forward.

4. Logos. None of the organisations have given permission for their logos to be used on this poster. I know for sure that DCC^» (Devon County Council - website) are unhappy because of the misleading messages.

Why am I making a thing about this? DfT insist  on communities having the same focus. If there is any apparent dissenting within groups that are leading, that could stop discussions and the DfT could look elsewhere.

If anyone wants to discuss this further, drop me a message and I will happily do so.

Kev Ball.

[grahame]

Okerail have posted the following on Facebook...

Why am I making a thing about this? DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) insist  on communities having the same focus. If there is any apparent dissenting within groups that are leading, that could stop discussions and the DfT could look elsewhere.

Requoting that to emphasise the importance of the community and groups speaking with a united voice; at stages where there are options to be chosen between (or indeed where input is requested for options), there will of course be a variety of views.   But then it's really up to community and groups to come together and present that united front, and perhaps to explain it to late-comer groups who may have their own suggestions that aren't compatible with the generally accepted view.

I suppose it's a bit like cabinet  of company director's responsibility - there may be occasions on a board where I don't feel 100% happy with the majority view / decision as being the best - but I will support it if it's not catastrophic.  And I would far rather deal with an organisation that's clear in its direction no matter who I talk to there if I'm going to be forming a long term official relationship with the organisation.

[bradshaw]

This link appeared on another forum yesterday. Is there any confirmation?

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/local-news/great-western-railway-ordered-start-1141088.amp

[RichardB]

This is what he said in his letter to MPs^▸ (Member of Parliament) (quoted in the piece) - 

"In a letter to Westcountry MPs, Mr Grayling wrote: “We have instructed GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) to prepare plans to introduce regular train services to Okehampton, with the objective of securing a credible and costed plan for delivering an all-week, all-year train service between Exeter and Okehampton as soon as reasonably practicable."

To me, that is not actually giving the go ahead to introducing the service, rather, as said, calling for plans to be drawn up.   A very good step in the right direction but a lot further to go. 

[SandTEngineer]

This bit caught my eye in the article (yes, I know its not the Okehampton route):

Mr Grayling said his department was reviewing the costs and business case for partial electrification and track alignment work between Totnes and Plymouth.

What's all that about then....

[bradshaw]

If I remember correctly it has been suggested, possibly by the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about), that it might be possible to electrify sections of the Devon banks to enable a better performance. Partial electrification was seen as an advantage of bimode use when the curtailment of GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) electrification was announced. The Trans Pennine route is being looked at thus.

 The realignment would help in improving line speeds.

[paul7575]

Instructing GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) to "draw up plans" was also effectively shown in the ITT^▸ (Invitation to Tender) for the 2012 franchise, in the form of a priced option.

This could still just be keeping the same old pot simmering on the back burner...

Paul

[onthecushions]

This bit caught my eye in the article (yes, I know its not the Okehampton route):

Mr Grayling said his department was reviewing the costs and business case for partial electrification and track alignment work between Totnes and Plymouth.

What's all that about then....

This suggests that DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) are aware of the limitations of Bi-modes, i.e in climbing and fast running.

Totnes - Plymouth includes Rattery and Hemerdon banks but the wires would need to start at Newton Abbot to include Dainton, not to mention Whiteball.

A similar glimmer of sense appears to be in NR^» (Network Rail - home page) now debating where the MML^» (Midland Main Line. - about) wires should stop, as there are summits at Desborough, south of Market H and to the north at Kibworth. After Leicester the line is easily graded so Bi-modes would/might be satisfactory.

Why the steep Box and Middle Hill tunnels aren't wired ASAP defeats reason.

Exeter - Plymouth via Okehampton would be a terrific climb, 1/75 for 25 miles each way!

Get shovelling,

OTC

[Oberon]

The sudden enthusiasm from Chris Grayling for trains to Okehampton, and the very sensible option of electrifying the South Devon banks, is the result of a group of south west Tory MPs^▸ (Member of Parliament) stating if the railway in the west doesn't receive its fair share of funding,  they will all refuse en bloc to support HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s)) when the crucial Commons vote comes.

I'm in favour of HS2 but I am even more in favour of our part of the world getting its dues in the railway funding stakes. So good for them!

[Kernow Otter]

I wonder other projects a full and proper fair share of funding could help deliver ?

[TonyK]

I wonder other projects a full and proper fair share of funding could help deliver ?

Don't know, but I have been telling DUP MPs^▸ (Member of Parliament) what a good idea Filton Bank Four Tracking Now might be.