| Grantown extention a window of opportunity opens |
A window of opportunity has opened with regard to the Strathspey Railways long held objective of reinstating the line to Grantown-on-Spey.
One of the major hurdles that has to be overcome in taking the line to the site of the former West Station in the town is how to cross the A95 trunk road. Subsequent to the lines closure in 1965 the road was realigned to avoid a double right hand bend under the route crossing it instead at about track level. To rebuild the track on its original formation would, with the present alignment of the road, require a level crossing, a feature that has long been recognised by the railway company as a non starter.
However, thanks to a large programme of road improvements announced by the Scottish Executive in April this year the section of the A95 in question is to be up-graded in the next financial year. The potential to include provision for the railway to pass under the new alignment was quickly realised by the Strathspey and discussion to this end has been taking place between them, The Executive, Local Authority and BEAR the company who are responsible for the maintenance of the road.
While much remains to be negotiated and agreed a significant move of support came at a Highland Council Committee meeting on 22nd November. At this meeting it was agreed that they should join with the Strathspey Railway to seek a suitable funding package including an application for PTF funds to ensure that the tunnel provision is included in the works. The company sees this move as recognition by the Council of the potential value in extending the railways services to the historic town of Grantown. It is also recognition/ recognition of the logic, in civil engineering terms, of including provision for the railway at this stage albeit that connection to the line extending from the present railhead north of Broomhill Station and from it to the West Station site is yet some time off.
Notes to Editor: 1. The full Resolution of the Roads, Community and Protective Services Committee reads:
Agreed that the Committee join with the Strathspey Railway Co. Ltd. to seek a suitable funding package including an application for PTF funds to ensure that the tunnel provision is included in the works and report back on the capital consents and revenue consequences of options available.
2. PTF Public Transport Fund was set up in November 2000 by the then (Scottish) Transport Minister, Sarah Boyack, to assist public transport projects. It is available only to local authorities and their partners. In the context of the Committees decision some form of partnership between the Railway and the Council will, presumably, have to be agreed. Initial funding was £150 million.
Enquiries: Strathspey Railway - Ron Black 01389-752214 e.mail: publicity@strathspeyrailway.co.uk
