GCR Bridge Project

[reddragon]

Re-opening a half rebuilt disused railway along its original abandoned corridor with the full support of all around is never going to be refused, at worst challenged & conditions added.

 

[AndrewE]

I think the Bala Lake thought similarly about their extension, but it got rejected.

but wasn't that on a technicality that the extra visitors might cause the sewage works to put extra phosphorus into the river? Everybody else wants it, but the water company have a veto because they don't want to invest...
I suspect this is another application which will be passed just as soon as WW have been leant on, or bunged some money for the sewage works upgrade.
It's amazing that improvements to the tourist offering which have been in development for a decade or more get stopped because the owner of one bit of the infrastructure hasn't been paying attention...

 

[Belperpete]

but wasn't that on a technicality that the extra visitors might cause the sewage works to put extra phosphorus into the river? Everybody else wants it, but the water company have a veto because they don't want to invest...
I suspect this is another application which will be passed just as soon as WW have been leant on, or bunged some money for the sewage works upgrade.
It's amazing that improvements to the tourist offering which have been in development for a decade or more get stopped because the owner of one bit of the infrastructure hasn't been paying attention...

It was, but it meant that all the money spent on the application was lost. As you say, virtually everyone, including the local council was in favour. I don't think that the Bala Lake are in a position to lean on WW to ignore a statutory requirement, less still have the kind of money to bung at them for an upgrade to the sewage treatment works.

I raised the case as an example that just because everyone wants it, you can't take planning approval for granted.

 

[50002Superb]

Re-opening a half rebuilt disused railway along its original abandoned corridor with the full support of all around is never going to be refused, at worst challenged & conditions added.

You say full support. Is that true? Has there ever been any opposition to it from residents or businesses? I recall some years back some issues with residents at Loughborough

For the record. I absolutely 100% want this to happen and fully behind it. I just mused what would happen to the cash if it didn’t happen

 

[AndyY1951]

I have just submitted my Comments in support of the planning application, I urge everyone (assuming you agree with Reunification!) on here to do the same.

Do it today, the deadline is the 7th.

Andy

 

[Flying Phil]

Good reminder Andy - I sent mine earlier.

 

[m79900]

Just to clear something up, when complete, will northbound trains have to reverse into Rudington, or will there be a new curve or a new station?

 

[MattyJames]

Just to clear something up, when complete, will northbound trains have to reverse into Rudington, or will there be a new curve or a new station?

It'll still be reversing at 50 steps.

Edited to attach quote.

 

[trebor79]

Well that's going to rather ruin the "main line intercity route" schtik.

 

[eyebrook1961]

Well that's going to rather ruin the "main line intercity route" schtik.

Well, the "intercity" bit would never have been accurate. "Not Nottingham to Not Leicester" isn't really a catchy phrase to attract visitors.

 

[trebor79]

Well, the "intercity" bit would never have been accurate. "Not Nottingham to Not Leicester" isn't really a catchy phrase to attract visitors.

Wasn't being technically within the city of Leicester one of the trains the southern terminus was built a few hundred yards south of the Belgrave and Birstall station site?

 

[duffield]

Well, the "intercity" bit would never have been accurate. "Not Nottingham to Not Leicester" isn't really a catchy phrase to attract visitors.

The Ruddington site is served by normal Nottingham *City* Transport buses so as far as I'm concerned, it's in the City of Nottingham - for public transport purposes (even though it's not actually within the city boundary).

 

[Flying Phil]

I believe it is still the aspiration to build a curve (chord) line so that trains will be able to go straight into the Ruddington station - eventually.

 

[Spartacus]

Well, the "intercity" bit would never have been accurate. "Not Nottingham to Not Leicester" isn't really a catchy phrase to attract visitors.

About right for much of the GCR originally then

Shame they couldn't have some Irish stock, such reversals were once very common there.

 

[Flying Phil]

A test train (DMU two coach 107) has been run the length of the GCR(N). There will be Santa style weekend services between Ruddington and Rushcliffe Halt. So the North is getting back into operation!
The Planning Application Consultation period finishes on 9th December for the Urban Viaduct and Factory Flyover sections.

 

[AndrewE]

It'll still be reversing at 50 steps

Shame they couldn't have some Irish stock, such reversals were once very common there.

which was my reaction too... I well remember a journey changing at Limerick Junction when it seemed that every train had to reverse into the platform if it was to call there!

It was the only time in my life that I have ever seen manual shunting - 5 or 6 blokes pushing a BG out of a siding onto the back of a train! I was surprised that they hadn't packed that particular siding up so that vehicles could roll out - or kept a horse!

 

[Flying Phil]

There is a new GCR video about the current state of the Reunification project (I'm sure somebody can put a link in, my IT skills are rubbish!). There is £2.4M in the Build fund and they expect to do some test bore holes in the next few months with construction of the Urban Viaduct starting around the Summer - if the planning process is successful.

 

[bspahh]

There is a new GCR video about the current state of the Reunification project (I'm sure somebody can put a link in, my IT skills are rubbish!).

 

[DerekC]

Thanks - very useful update.

 

[Flying Phil]

Thanks bspahh for the link - let's hope that many people watch it and text a donation. 2025 should be a great time to see the GCR going Forward.