Consultation opens on proposed routes for Crossrail 2
With London’s population set to boom, plans are underway for a vital new rail line, Crossrail 2, in order to support this future growth. Today the plans moved a step closer with Transport for London (TfL) and Network Rail launching a public consultation on the proposed routes.
With Crossrail already set to provide a 10 per cent increase to rail capacity in London, Crossrail 2 would add to this even further. It would create a new high frequency, high capacity rail line with shorter journey times between south west and north east London. It would help to relieve congestion on busy main line routes into central London and on the Underground network, while allowing communities around London to benefit from the creation of new jobs and new homes.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “Crossrail is set to revolutionise travel in the capital, and with a predicted 10 million people expected to be living in London by 2031, pressing ahead with the next stage of the plan, Crossrail 2, is quite simply essential. In order to support this great capital’s bright future, we need to think ahead and not wait until our transport arteries are clogged up and restricting jobs and growth. That’s why I am sending out a rallying cry for the public’s support for this consultation – come and share your views so we can progress with Crossrail 2 as soon as possible.”
The consultation will seek the views of people in London and the south east of England and will run from 14 May to 2 August 2013. It aims to establish what level of support there is for the project and where the public and stakeholders would like Crossrail 2 to serve. The public are encouraged to respond and share their views at www.crossrail2.co.uk.
Even with the Tube upgrade works and the delivery of Crossrail additional capacity on the transport network is needed to cope with London’s forecasted population growth. Crossrail 2 could be operational in 2030 but it is essential that work continues now to meet this target so the future forecasted population and employment growth in London is supported by new transport infrastructure.
A route for Crossrail 2, formerly known as the Chelsea-Hackney Line, has been kept free from any intrusive building development since 1991 and any new buildings along the route have been constructed to allow for a potential new railway line. TfL is now reviewing this safeguarded route and has proposed two alternatives which would better meet the rail needs of the capital in the future - a Metro option and a Regional option.
The Metro option could offer a high frequency underground service across central London. This option could be an underground railway and could operate between Wimbledon and Alexandra Palace. The route would relieve congestion on trains and platforms on the Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
The Regional option could benefit people in Hertfordshire, Surrey and beyond by enabling more trains to run on busy National Rail routes. This route could be a combined underground and overground railway and could operate from Alexandra Palace and stations in Hertfordshire to various locations in south west London and Surrey.
Transport for London’s Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy CBE said: “It is vital for the UK economy that we get on and finish Crossrail and the upgrade of the Tube. It is equally important for us to look beyond that if we are to accommodate a population forecast to grow to 10 million by the early 2030s. Given the lead times needed, that means progressing with Crossrail 2 now as an essential element in maintaining London’s status as a world city.”
David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, said: “London’s railways are already the busiest and most congested in the country, with many main lines already operating at, or close to, capacity. With the number of rail passengers in London predicted to grow by 30 per cent in the next twenty years, our plans to increase capacity through projects like Thameslink and Crossrail will make a real difference. But we must also press on with schemes such as Crossrail 2 to make sure public transport continues to support and drive economic growth in and around the capital.”
Lord Adonis, Chairman of the Crossrail 2 Task Force for London First, said: “Even with the significant investment already taking place in transport infrastructure, Crossrail 2 will be as essential as Crossrail for London to provide jobs and prosperity in the next generation. I am glad to see the Mayor taking forward preparations for Crossrail 2. Now we need a credible funding plan embracing the public and private sectors, with a view to construction in the 2020s.”
Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive of London First said: “We welcome the start of the consultation process for Crossrail 2 today which is a key piece of infrastructure needed for London. Even with the major transport programmes that are already planned or underway, by the late 2020s most tube and train carriages will feel like sardine tins for much of the day. That’s bad for London of course, but as the capital is the engine room of the UK economy, it would be damaging to the country as a whole. We need everyone to get behind this project and make it happen.”
A report on the findings of this consultation will be presented to the Mayor of London in autumn this year and made publicly available on the consultation website. Further, more detailed consultations would then follow.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “Crossrail is set to revolutionise travel in the capital, and with a predicted 10 million people expected to be living in London by 2031, pressing ahead with the next stage of the plan, Crossrail 2, is quite simply essential. In order to support this great capital’s bright future, we need to think ahead and not wait until our transport arteries are clogged up and restricting jobs and growth. That’s why I am sending out a rallying cry for the public’s support for this consultation – come and share your views so we can progress with Crossrail 2 as soon as possible.”
The consultation will seek the views of people in London and the south east of England and will run from 14 May to 2 August 2013. It aims to establish what level of support there is for the project and where the public and stakeholders would like Crossrail 2 to serve. The public are encouraged to respond and share their views at www.crossrail2.co.uk.
Even with the Tube upgrade works and the delivery of Crossrail additional capacity on the transport network is needed to cope with London’s forecasted population growth. Crossrail 2 could be operational in 2030 but it is essential that work continues now to meet this target so the future forecasted population and employment growth in London is supported by new transport infrastructure.
A route for Crossrail 2, formerly known as the Chelsea-Hackney Line, has been kept free from any intrusive building development since 1991 and any new buildings along the route have been constructed to allow for a potential new railway line. TfL is now reviewing this safeguarded route and has proposed two alternatives which would better meet the rail needs of the capital in the future - a Metro option and a Regional option.
The Metro option could offer a high frequency underground service across central London. This option could be an underground railway and could operate between Wimbledon and Alexandra Palace. The route would relieve congestion on trains and platforms on the Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
The Regional option could benefit people in Hertfordshire, Surrey and beyond by enabling more trains to run on busy National Rail routes. This route could be a combined underground and overground railway and could operate from Alexandra Palace and stations in Hertfordshire to various locations in south west London and Surrey.
Transport for London’s Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy CBE said: “It is vital for the UK economy that we get on and finish Crossrail and the upgrade of the Tube. It is equally important for us to look beyond that if we are to accommodate a population forecast to grow to 10 million by the early 2030s. Given the lead times needed, that means progressing with Crossrail 2 now as an essential element in maintaining London’s status as a world city.”
David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, said: “London’s railways are already the busiest and most congested in the country, with many main lines already operating at, or close to, capacity. With the number of rail passengers in London predicted to grow by 30 per cent in the next twenty years, our plans to increase capacity through projects like Thameslink and Crossrail will make a real difference. But we must also press on with schemes such as Crossrail 2 to make sure public transport continues to support and drive economic growth in and around the capital.”
Lord Adonis, Chairman of the Crossrail 2 Task Force for London First, said: “Even with the significant investment already taking place in transport infrastructure, Crossrail 2 will be as essential as Crossrail for London to provide jobs and prosperity in the next generation. I am glad to see the Mayor taking forward preparations for Crossrail 2. Now we need a credible funding plan embracing the public and private sectors, with a view to construction in the 2020s.”
Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive of London First said: “We welcome the start of the consultation process for Crossrail 2 today which is a key piece of infrastructure needed for London. Even with the major transport programmes that are already planned or underway, by the late 2020s most tube and train carriages will feel like sardine tins for much of the day. That’s bad for London of course, but as the capital is the engine room of the UK economy, it would be damaging to the country as a whole. We need everyone to get behind this project and make it happen.”
A report on the findings of this consultation will be presented to the Mayor of London in autumn this year and made publicly available on the consultation website. Further, more detailed consultations would then follow.
Manchester Piccadilly to launch nationwide photography exhibition
Five of the country’s biggest and busiest railway stations will become art galleries this summer, hosting a special exhibition showcasing stunning images from the Take-a-view Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. Visitors will also have the opportunity to get expert advice from celebrated landscape photographer and founder of the competition, Charlie Waite. Manchester Piccadilly will launch the tour on Saturday 8 June.
Each exhibit will showcase a series of stunning previously commended entries of places which can be reached by the host city’s railway, and give details of how to reach them by rail. Visitors can also find out how to enter the Landscape Photographer of the Year competition, which has a top prize of £10,000 and includes a separate ‘Lines in the Landscape’ award which seeks to find the best railway-related photography.
On Monday 10 June between 11am and 2pm, visitors to Manchester Piccadilly are encouraged to bring their cameras, phones, tablets and anything else that has a photograph on it, for the chance to get some commentary, feedback and advice from one of the world’s most renowned landscape photographers – Charlie Waite. There will also be chances to win a copy of the Landscape Photographer of the Year book (RRP £25).
David Biggs, director of commercial property for Network Rail explained why Network Rail has introduced this new series of stations exhibitions: “People don’t just want their stations to be places they catch their trains from; they want to shop, eat, drink and enjoy their surroundings. Our stations are natural exhibition spaces so extending our partnership with Take-a-view to bring amazing photography to Manchester Piccadilly seemed a natural fit. We also hope the millions that come through our stations will be inspired to visit the fantastic places they can reach by rail and record their own amazing views with their cameras.”
What: Landscape Photographer of the Year stations exhibition
David Biggs, director of commercial property for Network Rail explained why Network Rail has introduced this new series of stations exhibitions: “People don’t just want their stations to be places they catch their trains from; they want to shop, eat, drink and enjoy their surroundings. Our stations are natural exhibition spaces so extending our partnership with Take-a-view to bring amazing photography to Manchester Piccadilly seemed a natural fit. We also hope the millions that come through our stations will be inspired to visit the fantastic places they can reach by rail and record their own amazing views with their cameras.”
What: Landscape Photographer of the Year stations exhibition
Where: Manchester Piccadilly railway station
When: Saturday 8 June – Saturday 15 June (Charlie Waite only on Monday 10 June)
Further access improvements planned for Waverley
Vehicle access ramps will close temporarily during this summer as part of wider improvements to access arrangements at Edinburgh Waverley Station.
The south ramp, which is used for taxi and drop-off access, will close for three weeks from June 3 to allow for new security measures to be installed.
The security measures, to be implemented in September this year, will see drop-off traffic moved to New Street car park and taxi numbers controlled by a secure entry arrangement.
The new measures will improve security, enhance safe movement through the station and result in a better station environment for passengers and staff.
The ramp access changes are being implemented to coincide with further access changes to improve passenger movement around the station.
By summer, a new lift connecting the Waverley Steps mezzanine level to the station concourse will be operational, while new escalators connecting the Market Street walkway to platform 11 will be installed by September.
Further improvements to the Calton Road entrance will be made by December 2013, with new lifts permitting step free access to the eastern end of the station for the first time.
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: “Waverley is now easier to access than at any other time in its history and these additional improvements will further enhance access, movement around the station and the station environment.
“Restricting vehicle access to Waverley will improve security, reduce the risk of accidents, enhance the environment for passengers and decrease the level of air pollutants in the station. A certain number of taxis and mobility vehicles will still be able to access the station but, from September, drop-off traffic will be asked to use New Street car park, where we have allowed 30 minutes free parking.”
The latest access improvements follow three years of enhancement work at Waverley. The renewal of the station roof was completed in 2012. Lifts and escalators were also opened at the north side in 2012, allowing access to Princes Street. To the south of the station, lifts now connect the station to Market Street and New Street car park.
During the three week closure in June 2013, taxis servicing the station will pick up and drop off on Market Street.
Press Release
It is a pleasure to inform you of an event that shall be taking place in mid-June. Members from two new-build locomotive projects, based on opposite sides of the world, are meeting in person for the very first time.
The V499 Project is Australia's very first new-build steam locomotive project. This project was launched in 2011. Around the same time the Claud Hamilton Locomotive Group was formed in the UK. A few months later, after introductions had been made with the CHLG, our V499 Project was twinned with their new-build project 8783 'Phoenix'.
During mid-June V499 Project coordinator Jonathan Newton is traveling to the UK, where he shall meet up with members of the CHLG. The location of the meeting is yet to be decided upon. On arrival, Jonathan will present the CHLG with a pattern for a special plate that commemorates the twinning of these two projects. A video will also be produced for both groups to use as promotion on Youtube.
We feel that this event is newsworthy and would appeal to your readers.
The V499 Project has many followers that live in the UK, one of who is Ian Riley, owner of Black 5's 45407 and 44871.
If you are interested in attending the meeting of the V499 Project and Claud Hamilton Locomotive Group, we can be contacted at this email address. Alternatively, Jonathan can be reached on +61 401 722 443.
More information about the V499 Project can be found at www.vicsteam.com
Steam Tube (and The Railway Chronicle) will be meeting up with Jonathan Newton during his visit to the Severn Valley Railway on 21st June 2013..
The south ramp, which is used for taxi and drop-off access, will close for three weeks from June 3 to allow for new security measures to be installed.
The security measures, to be implemented in September this year, will see drop-off traffic moved to New Street car park and taxi numbers controlled by a secure entry arrangement.
The new measures will improve security, enhance safe movement through the station and result in a better station environment for passengers and staff.
The ramp access changes are being implemented to coincide with further access changes to improve passenger movement around the station.
By summer, a new lift connecting the Waverley Steps mezzanine level to the station concourse will be operational, while new escalators connecting the Market Street walkway to platform 11 will be installed by September.
Further improvements to the Calton Road entrance will be made by December 2013, with new lifts permitting step free access to the eastern end of the station for the first time.
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: “Waverley is now easier to access than at any other time in its history and these additional improvements will further enhance access, movement around the station and the station environment.
“Restricting vehicle access to Waverley will improve security, reduce the risk of accidents, enhance the environment for passengers and decrease the level of air pollutants in the station. A certain number of taxis and mobility vehicles will still be able to access the station but, from September, drop-off traffic will be asked to use New Street car park, where we have allowed 30 minutes free parking.”
The latest access improvements follow three years of enhancement work at Waverley. The renewal of the station roof was completed in 2012. Lifts and escalators were also opened at the north side in 2012, allowing access to Princes Street. To the south of the station, lifts now connect the station to Market Street and New Street car park.
During the three week closure in June 2013, taxis servicing the station will pick up and drop off on Market Street.
Press Release
It is a pleasure to inform you of an event that shall be taking place in mid-June. Members from two new-build locomotive projects, based on opposite sides of the world, are meeting in person for the very first time.
The V499 Project is Australia's very first new-build steam locomotive project. This project was launched in 2011. Around the same time the Claud Hamilton Locomotive Group was formed in the UK. A few months later, after introductions had been made with the CHLG, our V499 Project was twinned with their new-build project 8783 'Phoenix'.
During mid-June V499 Project coordinator Jonathan Newton is traveling to the UK, where he shall meet up with members of the CHLG. The location of the meeting is yet to be decided upon. On arrival, Jonathan will present the CHLG with a pattern for a special plate that commemorates the twinning of these two projects. A video will also be produced for both groups to use as promotion on Youtube.
We feel that this event is newsworthy and would appeal to your readers.
The V499 Project has many followers that live in the UK, one of who is Ian Riley, owner of Black 5's 45407 and 44871.
If you are interested in attending the meeting of the V499 Project and Claud Hamilton Locomotive Group, we can be contacted at this email address. Alternatively, Jonathan can be reached on +61 401 722 443.
More information about the V499 Project can be found at www.vicsteam.com
Steam Tube (and The Railway Chronicle) will be meeting up with Jonathan Newton during his visit to the Severn Valley Railway on 21st June 2013..
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