[John H-T]

The basis problem is that it would cost a ridiculous amount of money to raise the loading gauge for the existing railway. This is why the loading gauge was reduced during electrification of the West Coast mainline during the 1960's. The new Patriot "The Unknown Warrior" will have to be a maximum of 13' above rail level to fit under the wires.

The track bed through Belper on the Midland Main Line will have to be lowered by at least 4" to pass under the bridges over the line when the line is electrified soon.

There is still some scope to develop the existing rail network and this is in hand, but there is a limit. The existing network is now nearly at capacity and any development will only delay the inevitable. This why HS2 is vital as it can be built to an enhanced loading gauge, increase capacity and divert high speed traffic from the existing network to allow more capacity for freight and slower services.

The problem is that the case has not been explained carefully enough!

Best wishes,

John H-T.