Harborough rail users
Improving the quality of Market Harborough's rail service
HRU was invited by Network Rail to comment on the draft East Midlands Route Study (EMRS), their long-term planning strategy for the rail network in the East Midlands. Details are available on Network Rail's website http://www.networkrail.co.uk/long-term-planning-process/east-midlands-route-study/?cd=1
We submitted our response on 19th April, welcoming the positive tone of the draft EMRS, the aspirations set out within it and the emphasis on development of the network and expansion of capacity. The recognition of the railway's role in enabling economic growth and improving the quality of life is of particular relevance to Market Harborough. A recent Sunday Times survey placing Market Harborough among the top 50 places to live in pointed to the rail service 'within the magic hour by fast train from St Pancras' as a significant factor. We support the extensive coverage in the EMRS of the need to increase capacity on the Midland Main Line (MML) and the proposals to provide for more and longer trains on the line. The additional capacity planned between Bedford and Corby will be of benefit by means of increasing capacity on that route and thereby releasing some capacity on trains serving Market Harborough. This is evident in the EMRS prediction that the Market Harborough to Kettering section will have very high morning peak usage by 2023 though relieved after Kettering by the additional services feeding in from the Corby route. The hourly non-stop trains between Market Harborough and St Pancras have proven very popular and have shown strong growth in usage. We strongly support retention of a long-distance high-speed (LDHS) inter-city quality service both upon completion of electrification and under any other changes resulting from the EMRS. We are therefore pleased that the EMRS recognises that the LDHS services serve commuters from Market Harborough and other stations into London. We reiterated our concern that our present high quality of rolling stock is not downgraded in the pursuit of greater capacity. Related to this, we note the section in the EMRS headed 'London and South East Connectivity for 2043' and its handsome photograph of Market Harborough station! This is clear recognition of the importance of the Market Harborough commuter market. We welcome the long-term suggestion of potentially four trains an hour in the peaks, though we note that the journey time is described as 'good outer suburban speed (at least semi-fast)' and await further detail on what that means. If this service is additional to the LDHS services, it is to be welcomed. However, we would express our concern at any prospect of losing our LDHS services in favour of 'good outer suburban' with its connotations of lower speed and quality. We note the proposals for increased infrastructure at Bedford and Leicester in connection largely with freight. We support these and the proposed timing. The two priorities identified for additional capacity through Leicester, including additional platforms for Leicester station plus additional tracks from Syston and grade separation at Wigston for freight on the Felixstowe - Nuneaton corridor, are needed both for capacity and reliability reasons. Similarly, the proposed enhancement at Bedford and additional capacity north from there is supported. For the longer term, we note the suggestion of four tracks between Kettering North Junction and Wigston North Junction. Though long term and not identified as a priority, clearly this would have implications for Market Harborough and it would be interesting to know exactly how this scheme would be implemented. The recently announced realignment of the route through Market Harborough has seen various options put forward for freight loops and we await with interest further detail on the intended scheme. Harborough Rail Users have formally responded to Network Rail's consultation on its draft Delivery Plan for 'Control Period 5' (CP5), which runs from April 2014 to March 2019. The plan sets out NR's planned investments in the rail network over that period. We welcome the proposed investments on our line, including electrification, the 'electric spine' freight route from Southampton to the Midlands (which includes the section through Market Harborough), and the intention to provide capacity for longer passenger trains.
However, the long-outstanding scheme to straighten the line through Market Harborough and rebuild the station at platform level is not included in the draft Plan. The current layout is far from satisfactory as our platforms are too short, too low and do not meet modern accessibility standards. The present curvature of the line through Market Harborough imposes a significant speed restriction on through trains and the lack of a freight loop in the area limits capacity for both freight and passenger trains. The Midland Main Line route is being steadily being upgraded elsewhere, with modernised stations at various locations and the trains now able to travel at up to 125 mph on some sections. Market Harborough station, though well maintained by the train operator, cries out to be brought up to fully modern standards. It is important to deal with all of this and it needs to be done before the line is electrified, so as to avoid further cost and disruption later. Otherwise the opportunity could well be lost for another 30 years! We have therefore called for the track realignment through Market Harborough to be included in the final Network Rail CP5 Delivery Plan and we have called upon the local authorities to support the scheme. Like many places, our train service was severely disrupted on Monday 28th October because of damage such as fallen trees caused by the storm. Thankfully, services were restored for Tuesday morning. Though there was great inconvenience to many commuters, we recognise the efforts of the Network Rail engineers and others who worked hard to clear debris and repair the damage as quickly as possible.
During July and August 2013, Network Rail closed Nottingham station to most trains for a five-week 'blockade' while they completely rebuilt the track layout, added an extra platform and upgraded the signalling. Other work was also done at Nottingham station during this period, including significant progress with modernising the station itself and works associated with the new tram routes that will cross the station on an impressive new bridge. A major programme of train diversions and bus replacements was put in place for the duration, with East Midlands Trains reducing fares as compensation for the resulting inconvenience to the affected journeys.
Though not particularly local to Market Harborough, this work is important to our train service as most of Market Harborough's trains start from or are going to Nottingham. The old track and signalling there was limited in capacity and becoming increasingly unreliable. While this work was being planned, HRU therefore added its voice to representations that the scheme should provide for increased capacity and operational flexibility, rather than mere like-for-like replacement of old kit with new. We are therefore pleased that the work has done this and we look forward to the improved reliability for our trains. |
Categories
All
Archives
December 2023
|