I don't know much about the railway infrastructure in the UK, and I never seem to read about any new electrification projects using a 3rd rail. Any new electrification infrastructure always seems to use overhead wires.
Are there any particular reasons for this? Surely it's cheaper and simpler to electrify lines using a 3rd rail? No need for lowering of tracks through tunnels or raising bridges etc?
The only 3rd rail, heavy rail infrastructure that I know of is in and around London and the South East, why isn't 3rd rail HR common elsewhere on suburban networks in the UK?
I'm thinking that the South Wales Valley lines would be a perfect candidate for 3rd rail HR infrastructure rather than overhead wires or the complicated tramway conversion that's the Welsh government's favoured option?
Is 3rd rail electrification really cheaper, simpler and quicker to do than overhead wires? Why isn't it used more on the UK network?
All contributions are appreciated.
Thanks
Are there any particular reasons for this? Surely it's cheaper and simpler to electrify lines using a 3rd rail? No need for lowering of tracks through tunnels or raising bridges etc?
The only 3rd rail, heavy rail infrastructure that I know of is in and around London and the South East, why isn't 3rd rail HR common elsewhere on suburban networks in the UK?
I'm thinking that the South Wales Valley lines would be a perfect candidate for 3rd rail HR infrastructure rather than overhead wires or the complicated tramway conversion that's the Welsh government's favoured option?
Is 3rd rail electrification really cheaper, simpler and quicker to do than overhead wires? Why isn't it used more on the UK network?
All contributions are appreciated.
Thanks
