The CLUG have finally updated their website.
Here is what they have to say.
AMBER CHANGES TO DOUBLE AMBER.
Way back in 1971, British Rail decided that the service over the Oxford to Worcester line could easily be provided on predominantly single track. The sections between Wolvercot Junction (near Oxford) and Ascott-under-Wychwood, Moreton-in-Marsh and Evesham and Evesham and Norton Junction (near Worcester) had one track and all intermediate signalling removed. During the period since 1971, there has been an unprecedented growth in demand for travel over the line, with the result that we now have twice as many trains trying to share the reduced amount of infrastructure.
Ever since the Cotswold Line Promotion Group was formed in 1978, it has been pressing for the reinstatement of at least some of the track removed in 1971, but successive operators have never seen a need to spend the necessary money. The failure to address this problem has resulted in serious operating difficulties over the route, with knock on delays or even cancellations caused particularly by late running trains. The Group would like to see an hourly off-peak service throughout the day, but, although technically possible, this could compromise punctuality and reliability, given the present infrastructure arrangement.
It was announced at a public meeting in Charlbury on 4th April that Network Rail has now submitted proposals to the Office of Rail Regulation for the re-doubling of the 15 mile single line section between Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh together with some 5 miles of the Ascott-under-Wychwood to Wolvercot Junction single line to a point a mile or so east of Charlbury.
If implemented, this would just leave two single track sections between Oxford and Worcester, both some 8 to 9 miles in length and would considerably improve the flexibility of the route.
On 5th June 2008, the Office of Rail Regulation released a 374 page document entitled "Periodic Review 2008: Draft Determinations". Within its pages, Cotswold Line Re-doubling is given a high priority, although the ORR» feels that it could be done for ^3M less than the ^51M costed by Network Rail.
As the CLPG» understands it, the scheme still has to receive the final approval of the Secretary of State for Transport. If this is received, then it is understood that the work will be done in two phases. Phase 1 will be from Ascott-under-Wychwood to about a mile east of Charlbury. Phase 2 will be Moreton-in-Marsh to Evesham. Work on Phase 1 could start as early as January 2009 and, hopefully, be completed in time for the May 2009 timetable changes.
What do people think of the term AMBER CHANGES TO DOUBLE AMBER, is it sensible and safe, or an understatement?
But whatever colour, its great news!
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