Close a Main Line down?

Bramleyman · Close a Main Line down?

A call has gone out by Norwich North MP Ian Gibson for the main Norwich to London Liverpool Street line to be closed down for 6 months and overhauled completely, following delays yesterday when a lineside telephone problem prevented two level crossing barriers from operating correctly and then train drivers being instructed to slow Right down to a few miles an hour and only proceed if clear. I'm sure they weren't going to accelerate with people on tracks, but perhaps Gibson thought different?

The fault on the telephone, left two crossings in the open position and on a permanent basis in the Stowmarket area, then resulting in delays and some cancellations. Network Rail said the problem was very soon fixed, but this MP must have been talking out of his rear in making such stupid suggestions.

Funny how he didn't call for the road to be closed at Swainsthorpe and prevent motorists driving on to the crossing with red lights flashing and a train approaching at 100mph, until such times a bridge is installed? Pity MP's making statements like he did, can't be bothered to enquire a bit more as to WHY things go wrong.

nebulaman

I can see where he is coming from as there have been several unrelated incidents over the past few months. An overhaul of the line is overdue as it was done on the cheap during the electrification. On the otherhand a total closure will only cause major disruption and inconvienience and we can say goodbye to some passengers for ever. Network Rail are closing Liverpool Street for 2 weeks at Christmas 2007 and 2008 for major works involving resignalling, demolishing bridge 19 and Bishopsgate tunnel; and new overhead wire systems. I think you will find a huge overhaul over the next few years on the GEML without the need for closure.

I think Mr Gibson's comments are however more constructive than Mr Tim Yeo MP who complains and looks to sue the companies but this only leaves less money for improvements and hence you get a visous circle. If we had a government who were truely pro rail then we could have a railway to be proud of once more. Unfortunatley no main stream party and willing to do this. If Labour keep power then I see a long slow improvement but only after more consultants and more money wasted; with Tory government we can kiss goodbye to any investment and Lib Dems seem to be concerned with other matters.