Hi,

Network Rail have applied to demolish the Grade2 listed bridge across Buxton Road so that they can rebuild the bridge to carry heavy freight at 50mph in addition to passenger trains. This is the arched structure built in 1863 next to Whaley Bridge School.

The planning application and details are to be found here:

http://planning.highpeak.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=121959

The application number is HPK/2010/0289

There is very little time left to make your objections known if you have any. Please use the link to make your objections known.

The plan will be decided at a planning committee meeting on 13th September.

WBTC have objected to the plan on the grounds that

1) Freight trains will create noise and intrusiveness through the night and day in Whaley bridgeand other villages on the Buxton to Edgeley Junction line.(BEJ line)

2) The proposed replacement of the listed stucture should be subject to a consultation and selection process for an appropriate design.

3) Network rail should be required to provide details of the actual numbers and frequency of freight trains or estimated tonnage of freight transfer on the BEJ line as it is impossible for the planning authority to determine whether the benefits to the public justify removing the bridge, in line with the requirements of PPG15,3.17

Unfortunately English Heritage have reluctantly accepted  that the bridge, even if in perfect structural condition would not be sufficient to carry heavy freight traffic at 50mph. They say that if Network Rail can make its strategic and operational case for the need for Bridge42 to carry heavy freight traffic at 50mph such that in he view of the local planning authority and the secretary of state it justifies the demolition of the grade 2 listed building, then questions of strengthening the existing structure need not be pursued any further.

However, if Network Rail dont make a case for 50mph traffic, then there remains the possibility of strengthening the existing bridge to deal with lower speed freight traffic.

It is therfore down to whether Network Rail have made the case in their application sufficiently well for 50mph freight  that it justifies demolishing the bridge, and whether there are substantial benefits for the community(not just local community) which would decisively outweigh the loss resulting from demolition.

Please express your objections(or support) for the proposal on the website via th elink above.

I am very dissapointed that Network Rail are doing this, but I can see why they are doing it., and I fear the process is inexorable. Bridge 42 is the only bridge on the BEJ line which limits fast and heavy freight from being carrried on the line. I hope my fears about the potential volume of freight on the line are unfounded, but the supporting documentation indicates that  there are a number of opportunities considered for the line regarding freight transfer, and I suspect that like a new motorway, traffic will increase to fill the  available line capability.

Jon.

Sorry have you been waiting all day?

Just returned from a weekend in New Mills and Whaley Bridge.

R.S-S has taken the words right out of my mouth.What a load of rubbish. Why does he continue to do this?

Hi,

The reasons given by Network Rail are provided in the supporting material which can be found at the link I gave.

Firstly, the replacement is required to provide an alternative lengthy temporary route while the Dove Holes Tunnel is closed for lengthy repairs. The Dove Holes Tunnel carries minerals from the 3 Peak quarries (Dowlow,Tunstead and Peak Forrest) on the Chinley to Buxton line.

Secondly, the Whaley line (i.e BEJ line) could provide a diversionary route to allow rerouting of trains during planned works(such as maintenence to Dove Holes tunnel): "Network Rail’s freight customers EWS and Freightliner,Heavy Haul and their end-customers such as Lafarge, Cemex, RMC Roadstone, ICI Chemicals and Polymers Group, ICI Lime Division, Tarmac and Peakstone (Beswick Lime Quarry) have indicated that in order to safeguard their businesses, it is essential to retain the flexibility of routing trains via both the BEJ and CNB routes."

Thirdly, Network Rail is currently looking at the feasibility of creating a 'Manchester Hub' to provide better links with key rail services across the north of England. The resolution of capacity issues around Manchester are considered vital for the economy of the north of England.

Fourthly, the Sheffield to Stockport line is at capacity and is a constraint to growth. "By relieving Freight trains from this route and diverting them via the Buxton to Stockport route(i.e via the BEJ line through Whaley - JG), capacity will be released for other services and therefore allow for growth in rail services."

With respect to the need to be able to run freight at 50mph over a new bridge, rather than running it at a lower speed over a strengthened bridge the argument seems to be about line capacity. There is currently a 10mph speed limit for freight over the unstrengthened existing bridge : "Directly linked to line speed, capacity is limited on the BEJ route because of the risk associated with heavy freight trains, therefore freight is restricted to limited weekend movements only. The speed restriction (currently 10mph JG) does not allow for freight to be interspersed with passenger trains without significantly impacting on travelling times." 

Cheers

Jon.

Hi,

Please indicate your objection, or support,  via the link provided in my first post.

Cheers

Jon.