“Replacing part of the Laxey to Ramsey electric railway with a cycle lane would cost £8 million, according to the Department of Infrastructure.

A Freedom of Information request asked for documents about replacing railways with paths for walkers or cyclists.

In its response, the DOI released internal notes about the cost of making a 10-mile stretch of the MER single-lane for trams and installing a path.

The document says a path would cost £2.7 million, fencing £1.8 million, signalling another £2 million, and £400,000 each for track removal and drainage.

It also says the project could bring 'negative publicity', and hasn't been approved.”

3FM News

The Freedom of Information Request is reproduced as follows:

Replacement of Single Laxey to Ramsey MER Section with Cycle Lane

Cost Implications are substantial

The cost of installing a finish suitable for cyclists/pedestrians would be considerable @ £80/m2. £2.7M

Erection of a 16km long safety fence between the remaining line and cycle/pedestrian lane which would be required to meet standards for a new walkway adjacent to a tramway @ £110/m would be approx. £1.8M

The requirement to install a modern signalling system to ensure safe single line operation of trams and in conflict areas with a pedestrian or cycleway would be prohibitively expensive ~ £2M

Removal of over 17km of tramway track and overhead line fittings would be a significant cost and impact heavily on the availability of contractors for other projects at an estimated cost of £400K

The proposal would require the removal of recently renewed infrastructure which would in effect be writing off the value of recent investment.

Provision of additional drainage to prevent water run-off from cycle lane onto the remaining track and adjacent properties which at present is absorbed through the ballast formation would be costly at an estimate of £400K based on 50% of the tramway length requiring some alteration.

Purchase of additional land to ensure cycle lane can bypass railway passing loops which would occupy the full width of the current formation would be difficult and costly ~£500K

Provision of additional signage at level crossings and stations etc. would be costly ~ £200K

Total cost impact would be in the region of £8M

Operational difficulties

The current double track gives operational flexibility to run trams as and when required.Extra trams on an ad hoc basis can be operated with a moment’s notice, this additional capacity to cope with peaks such as cruise liners or TT periods would be lost with a single track.

Single line would require passing loops at fixed locations occupying whole width of the current track.These would have to be in specific locations to match a published timetable.The ability to amend timetables in future would be lost as trams would have to be timed to pass at the fixed passing places.

Any emergency incident would result in suspension of services. At present single line working can be carried out on the adjacent line to bypass any problem or obstruction.

Safety

Control of trams, cyclists and pedestrians at the numerous level crossings, footpaths and rural halts would be high risk. Vehicles will stop for an approaching tram with its high visual impact but are less likely to stop for approaching cyclists, especially in poor visibility.

Potential danger from falling traction wires due to damage (lightning/weather/impact) onto an unprotected cyclist or walker could have fatal consequences.

Restricted access on one side of line would make permanent way works difficult. A parallel footway or cycle lane would have to be blocked frequently during for maintenance to be undertaken.

Aesthetic issues and potential negative publicity

A cycle lane, with the necessary safety fencing, safety signage and tarmac surface would have a detrimental impact on the aesthetic appeal of the tramway in areas of high natural scenic beauty.Detrimental visual impact of fences etc. would be particularly apparent to passengers.

The level of demand for such a facility is certain to be far less than the 53,000 passengers whose enjoyment of the railway would be compromised.

Damage to the integrity of one of the Island’s leading tourist attractions and heritage icons. The MER is the only vintage narrow gauge tram line in Europe of similar length surviving largely as built.

Potential for very large volume of negative publicity for the Island and subsequent loss of confidence in our ability to maintain our infrastructure.

Login

Powered by Quesmedia Sites