Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony
Wasn't the Tavistock line mainly single track with passing places and single line tunnels? How much would it cost to rebuild it to modern standards as a double track line which is needed? With our wonderful dithery politicians with their lightening quick decision making, how long would it be before completion? (After the requisite planning enquiries and judicial reviews).
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No, the old Southern route around Tavistock was always a double tracked main line, the only bit that BR eventually reduced to single track was Meldon viaduct. The Network Rail estimate of £780 million was to reopen as double track, but obviously a single with passing loops would be much cheaper - far less than up to £2 billion to bore tunnels under South Devon for the existing GW line!
The Transport Minister visited Okehampton a few weeks ago by a special train so out hopes are high that he might approve the reinstatement- fingers crossed!