Network Rail is continuing to develop the proposal for four tracking between Dr Days Junction and Filton Abbey Wood. The scheme forms part of its Strategic Business Plan which has formed its “Control Period 5″ (2014-2019) funding request to Government. They will know if they have been successful in achieving funding in June 2013 when the Office of Rail Regulation publishes its draft determination identifying which schemes it is prepared to fund and how much has been allocated for this.
The proposed new two tracks will provide additional capacity that can be used for expected growth in freight, local and long distance passenger services.
Network Rail say the intention is to have one pair of lines predominantly for the fast CrossCountry services and one pair of lines for the local stoppers in order to achieve the journey time benefits for the fast services.
Assistant Mayor Mark Bradshaw, Bristol’s new Executive Member for Transport, Planning, Strategic Housing and Regeneration, said: “We continue to work with our partner councils and Network Rail to secure vital investment to replace the missing tracks at Filton Bank.
This and other infrastructure is required to breath life back into our disused railway assets. Four track is essential to delivering, not only high speed intercity connections, but also more local and city region services. A decision on this funding for the period 2014-19 will be made by Ministers next month. The new tracks would help expand local as well as electrified and cross-country rail services; so all passengers, whether travelling long distance or locally, will benefit if the funding package gets the green light. Approval is not guaranteed, so we must all keep up the pressure in cooperation with public transport campaigners and people across Bristol. The Post’s continuing backing for this work is much appreciated and is making a difference.”

