(16 Feb 2016, 10:10 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote I was going by the Network Rail 2020 ECML Capacity Timetable Assessment. http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file...c-2014.pdf
York to Newcastle is from Page 43 downwards and includes the desired amount of services down that section of the ECML from/by 2020.
It quotes :
It includes 3 VTEC IEP Paths an hour and 1 Open Accsess path timed for Alliance Rails Class 390 Pendolino Proposal = 3tph VTEC LDN - NCL and 1tph OAC LDN - NCL
Newcastle to Edinburgh is from Page 49 and includes 2 VTEC paths an hour and 1 Open Accsess path a hour timed for Alliances 390 proposal.
It also includes the Scottish Govermants Proposal for a Berwick or Newcastle to Edinburgh Stopping Service and other things.
1 Thing is that the TPE Paths are out of date as TPE are ordering 125 mph at the least capable Multiple Units instead of 100 Mph EMUs
There are other interesting things in there that would take ages to write in here but the link is above if you want to read it.
Those documents make interesting reading, but is just an assessment to scope out what may happen.
There are several scenarios in the document - including additional track between Birtley and Ouston Jcts (removed during electrification if I remember correctly), new/lengthened loops, new platforms, infrastructure improvements on Durham Coast and Stillington lines, power issues north of Doncaster, concerns relating to the Newark Crossing, opening disused tunnels at Kings Cross and platform capacity concerns at Newcastle and Edinburgh.
My own thoughts are that the plans aren't likely to happen - particularly those south of the region (regardless of costs), due to the Governments obsession with HS2.
Services from the north east will be directed towards the Yorkshire hub in order to justify the vanity of HS2.
I can't see the costs in improving the ECML, being justifiable in light of HS2 and the current state of the treasury.
I haven't compared franchise agreements with the scenarios suggested in the capability analysis. It would take far too long and I can't be bothered - and cos I have seen enough reports today to last a lifetime!
