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Silting up of river beds and tributaries coupled with a high water table is one of the main causes of flooding after exceptional rain. The EA have not been dredging the rivers and streams on the flood plains, consequently what we have recently experienced on the Somerset levels is a good example...

I was thinking more about the trains from Bristol and the North of England using the Rewe 'chord' route to travel over Dartmoor more so than the Paddington trains. With the link to Plymouth established over Dartmoor trains from Waterloo or Paddington could travel directly to Plymouth without...

I think it would more than survive if direct expresses from London to Plymouth or Penzance used the line with the Rewe - Sweetham 'chord' installed. There could even be a local Dartmoor and South Devon heritage service with no need for reversing at Exeter or Plymouth as the stations are...

But as the DAL was considered in the 1930s and is no longer practical unless a tunnel is constructed directly between Exeter and Newton Abbot. The route over Dartmoor is nearly intact apart from a couple of demolished bridges and other buildings that have been constructed on the original track...

I have had a look at the 1960s timetable for Exeter to Plymouth on the Dartmoor route and there is not much difference in the journey time compared with the current journey time via Dawlish. If the Okehampton route is considered for reinstatement and some track realignment is applied it could...

I note that £100 million is being spent in an effort to solve (partly) the problems on the Somerset levels. Does it really take a catastrophic event before the powers that be realise that some money has to be invested in a necessary project that should have been enacted years ago? The same...

That's exactly what we do not want to see. Any alternative route would be a backup for the main route should anything unforeseen happen.

I think this is true with regards to the missing stretch of line between Okehampton and Bere Alston. This alternative route is nearly complete although covered with vegetation, more so in the cuttings. The majority of the bridges, tunnels and viaducts are still in place and the stations are some...

I think you'll find the concerns about providing an alternative route will rattle on which is a good thing. There's no doubt an alternative route is required in the short term for many other reasons besides the weather problems that seem to be damaging the Dawlish sea wall more often. Track...

To provide an alternative to the Cowley Junction issue I think in the long term NR will build a 'chord' from Rewe to Sweetham to link up with the former LSW route if they consider the Okehampton route a working proposition. Does any member have any idea of how long it would take to reinstate...

That's the reason why I said a high-speed tunnel is the answer in the long term but something has to be done in the short term that's for sure. --- old post above --- --- new post below --- yorksrob, I think you are probably correct about the twin viaducts at Meldon. Strengthening work to the...

Not only the Swiss, it would appear Trenitalia have also been investing heavily in some spectacular high-speed rail tunnel projects over the last ten years leaving us well behind. It's about time this country started to get its rail infrastructure better organised than relying on old Victorian...

The real long-term solution is a high-speed tunnel connecting Exeter directly to Newton Abbot. There would be no need to obtain permissions except for rights over the land at the tunnel entrances. The only other consideration for this proposal would be the construction of some ventilation shafts...

That is just the point! You're right, the snow ploughs have not been in service this year but they are now available should they be required at any time in the future. An alternative route is required in the short term as the weather in the South West cannot be relied on. The conditions can...

47802, I think you are quite incorrect. The sea wall route is becoming problematic. Just look at what the waves did to the temporary containers let alone the retaining wall. This is no time for kicking the ball around. Decisions relating to an alternative route will have to made quickly with...

That's exactly the way I feel about the situation. Having an alternative route will free up the main line for necessary repairs and maintenance - less stressful on NR in planning their future operations. At present, the route via Dawlish is a great tourist attraction for South Devon and so is...

I think this thread is wandering a bit off-topic. The size of the towns and cities and their population densities are not in question. The heading relates to a viable alternative route to keep the trains running thereby securing the economies and rail travel for the environs of those populated...

The two viaducts are listed structures and were recently refurbished by the local council. Some new decking was also installed to make the cycle and walk way. At the same time the metalwork was painted, so I would assume that a detailed structural examination was carried out at the same time. As...

No need for a new viaduct. I don't think there will be any weight problems with the viaducts at Meldon as they are two independent structures built side-by-side. The viaducts had no problems carrying the weight of some very heavy steam locomotives with coaches right up to the closure of that...

If that's the case then the owner of Brentor station will be able to sell his property without trains running past his kitchen window.