Announcement could hold key to unlocking Bristol Metro

“@briztoller By 'better' the dft usually mean short cuts which are cheaper in the sort term eg signaling improvements to increase capacity instead of expensive new tracks.”

“Also, CP5 HLOS says in the opening paragraphs:

"It is likely the rail industry will produce a more detailed and efficient solution, and in this context the illustrative option can be viewed as the simple answer that should be bettered."

Does this mean the possibility of five or six track then?! ;p

"Inclusion of a train service or an infrastructure scheme in the Department's illustrative options does not guarantee it will be delivered; that only happens if the scheme is named in the HLOS. It does, however, mean the Department found the scheme to be a viable solution and this solution is likely to be amongst those considered by the rail industry in deciding the best and most efficient way to deliver the outputs specified."

So no guarantees, carry on campaigning!”

“@TheLastMinute thats from the illustrative options doc, just one possible way of delivering what the HLOS actually commits to;

"expand the capacity of the railway serving passengers to and
from Bristol including increasing route capacity into Bristol from Filton
Abbey Wood and increasing station capacity at Bristol Temple Meads
by bringing back into railway use the historic station building."

Not specific mention of four tracking.”

“Well four tracks between Filton and Bristol East Junction are confirmed (well, as far as the can be) in the High Level Output Specification.

West
x Filton – Bristol capacity enhancement (four-track).
x Bristol Temple Meads station capacity and incorporation of historic Digby Wyatt train shed. Station potentially a focus of wider city regeneration.
x Route gauge clearance for different DMUs.

From http://tinyurl.com/8yspcqt”

“The statement included the phrase "Further investment on Great Western Main Line, including at Bristol and Oxford Stations as well as additional track capacity on the approaches to Bristol.", which could mean that four tracking has been granted funding, but it is not specific.”

“@davesmi, this appears in a document from the DFE:-

Further investment on Great Western Main Line, including at Bristol and Oxford Stations as well as additional track capacity on the approaches to Bristol.

So make of it what you will !!!!”

“So, did the announcement include the Four-tracking work necessary for the improvement of local rail services? There's no mention of it on the BBC website.”