Chiltern Evergreen 3 is the proposed upgraded railway line to run from Oxford to Marylebone via Bicester. The line will run through the Wolvercote Tunnel, underneath the Wolvercote Roundabout.
Chiltern Railways have set-up a website which describes the proposed project in some detail. Many local residents have serious concerns about potential train noise, vibration and subsidence and we hope we can help ensure these concerns are properly communicated to Chiltern Railways, and overcome. The particular issues you should be aware of are:
- There will be a second track added to the existing single line
- In Phase 1 there will be four trains per hour and after Phase 2, the completion of EastWest Rail, this may rise to ten trains per hour
- The speed of trains will rise from the current limit of 40mph to as high as 70-100mph
- Freight trains that are much heavier (bridges are being adapted for larger shipping containers) and longer (up to 30 wagons) are planned
- These will run throughout the night
- 'Effluent' will be discharged directly onto the track from trains
- All trains will be diesel. This will result in an increase in pollution & emissions which are already above legal limits
- The line will be completed by 2013 - Phase 1. Phase 2 will be completed between 2013 and 2016 depending on when funding becomes available for EastWest Rail
We continue to believe that the upgraded line, if carefully constructed to overcome these issues, can bring many environmental and economic benefits to our region as a whole. However it is vital that these benefits are not won at unfair and heavy cost to people who live along the line and who justifiably fear that their lives may be badly affected. We expect that there will be a full public enquiry in the autumn at which Engage Oxford and the many residents that have made objections, will be speaking.
Forms
The cut-off date for objections to be sent to the address below was 17th February 2010 however we understand that comments and objections will still be accepted so please make sure you have communicated your opinion. As we have not been able to find an official form for this purpose, we have devised two short one-page forms provided below. The first is for local residents in the wider area concerned by the proposals and the second for those people living close to the line. Please print off the sheet relevant to you and tick the sections that best express your views. Once completed, it should be sent by post to:
The Secretary of State for Transport
Department for Transport c/o TWA Orders Unit
Zone 1/31
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR
If you wish to email or make comments the address is: transportandworksact@dft.gsi.gov.uk