Folkestone Harbour branch closure consultation

[swt_passenger]

DfT consultation on branch closure. Line is permanently OOU following a Network Change last December:

The final charter operation was in March 2009, after which the line was closed under a Short Term Network Change whilst Network Rail assessed future transport requirements and operating costs. Alternative facilities for VSOE to accommodate and manage passengers have been provided at Folkestone West station. Network Rail’s subsequent assessment concluded that that expenditure on maintaining the line is neither an appropriate nor responsible use of rail industry resources.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...9955/folkstone-harbour-draft-consultation.pdf

 

[The Planner]

Interesting spin on it, normally when something is put as OOU then maintenance pretty much stops completely, with a mad panic if someone ever suggests using it again.

 

[yorksrob]

Under the work required, it includes £1,000,000 worth of civils, including work on "brickwork within arches".

As I recall, the only structures on the branch are a rather impressive overbridge, an undebridge or two and the viaduct/swing bridge, so one must assume that the majority of this is for the viaduct and swing bridge.

If no one is prepared to maintain the swing bridge/viaduct, presumably these are at risk (as per the previous marina proposal). Have the residents of Folkestone been adequately warned and consulted that such a drastic alteration to the townscape would be likely to take place ?

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Without the long departed classic boat train traffic - the line has no real traffic objectives (apart from as a "tourist" attraction...

The Tunnel + air has sealed its fate. No point in spending on it . when other investment produces better results.......

 

[DarloRich]

exactly -The line is of no use to anyone. Take it out and spend the cash somewhere else.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

exactly -The line is of no use to anyone. Take it out and spend the cash somewhere else.

Which was the working decision made some years ago (not long) - when this was debated re the Folkestone area resignalling....

Someone made the point we (as an industry) should not commit much / any money to seasonal "charter" like operations when the base railway needed significant upgrades. Right decision , am afraid. Nostalgia does not butter parsnips.....quote....

 

[HowardGWR]

Which was the working decision made some years ago (not long) - when this was debated re the Folkestone area resignalling....

Someone made the point we (as an industry) should not commit much / any money to seasonal "charter" like operations when the base railway needed significant upgrades. Right decision , am afraid. Nostalgia does not butter parsnips.....quote....

Anyway, where, anymore, are the 5 tank engines the SR used to pilot and bank a train up it?

 

[DarloRich]

Anyway, where, anymore, are the 5 tank engines the SR used to pilot and bank a train up it?

I dont understand?

 

[Muzer]

Although it is a bit of a shame from an enthusiast's point of view, I can see the reason that all these lines are closing. It's just quite amazing how many ferry-serving stations have lost their services within the past two decades or so:

* Tilbury Riverside (closed 1992)
* Weymouth Quay (last regular service 1987, last charter 1999, officially oou 2007, sold )
* Newhaven Marine (closed 2006)
* Folkestone Harbour (last regular service 2001, last charter 2009)

I must be missing some more.

 

[Condor7]

Don't worry in 20 years or so they will be spending untold millions reinstating it as they realised it was a mistake, as time has moved on and things change.

Well that is what they seem to do with most other railways anyway.

 

[steamybrian]

Although it is a bit of a shame from an enthusiast's point of view, I can see the reason that all these lines are closing. It's just quite amazing how many ferry-serving stations have lost their services within the past two decades or so:

* Tilbury Riverside (closed 1992)
* Weymouth Quay (last regular service 1987, last charter 1999, officially oou 2007, sold )
* Newhaven Marine (closed 2006)
* Folkestone Harbour (last regular service 2001, last charter 2009)

I must be missing some more.

Very important one...Dover Western Docks
Plus..New Holland Pier (and railway owned Hull Corporation Pier)

... With the opening of the Channel Tunnel it makes travelling to the continent much quicker and easier with no flaffing around at ports or weather dependant.

 

[pablo]

You've forgotten Port Victoria!

 

[Eccles]

Anyway, where, anymore, are the 5 tank engines the SR used to pilot and bank a train up it?

The R1s?
http://www.theremembranceline.org.uk/past_R1.htm

They were replaced by Panniers at some point in the late '50s according to that page. Don't think any are preserved unfortunately...

 

[Muzer]

Don't worry in 20 years or so they will be spending untold millions reinstating it as they realised it was a mistake, as time has moved on and things change.

Well that is what they seem to do with most other railways anyway.

Well, I dunno. I expect sooner or later flight will have to increase in price, but I don't know if we'll see a resurgence in ferries, especially with the chunnel.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

More likely to see the Chunnel doubled - ferries were "way" too slow ......(London to Paris in around 7 hours - compared to 2 and a bit today on E*)

 

[yorksrob]

At least you could get a nice chilli con carne on the ferry.

 

[paul1609]

Although it is a bit of a shame from an enthusiast's point of view, I can see the reason that all these lines are closing. It's just quite amazing how many ferry-serving stations have lost their services within the past two decades or so:

* Tilbury Riverside (closed 1992)
* Weymouth Quay (last regular service 1987, last charter 1999, officially oou 2007, sold )
* Newhaven Marine (closed 2006)
* Folkestone Harbour (last regular service 2001, last charter 2009)

I must be missing some more.

Newhaven is really strange because the ferry still exists but has moved 2 stations away to Newhaven Town!