Railway Engineering

Railway Engineering Railway Integration Proposals Each town serviced by the New Somerset and Dorset Line has a variety of ways in which a railway link can be incorporated into the town infrastructure. The various considerations arising from establishing a rail link, such as land use issues, have to be addressed on a town-by-town basis in order to create a feasible and effective project. This proposal examines closely the challenges unique to each city on the proposed route from Bath to Castle Cary via Midsomer Norten and Shepton Mallet.

The proposed new line will link these towns together, and will bring benefits to local communities. However, there are some serious engineering considerations that need to be taken into consideration before planning any work. Considerations: Shepton Mallet Shapton Mallet is a small town in Somerset county, southwester England, with an estimated population of 10,055 as of 2007 (Somerset County Council). The town currently has no railway service. Shepton Mallet once had railway stations on two different British Railway lines.

The first station was located on the East Somerset Railway branch line and was called Shepton Mallet (High Street) station. A second station was later called Shepton Mallet (Charlton Road). Nowadays, the nearest Network Rail station is Castle Cary, some eight miles south of Shepton Mallet. The current proposal re-introduces a continuous line from Bath to Castle Cary that will once again go through the town of Shepton Mallet. There is a possibility for Shepton Mallet to become an important point on the new Somerset and Dorset line.

Construction of a new station and a new railway line diverted here will reflect the growing importance of this region of Somerset. Engineering challenges and the recommended options for action are as follows: Option 1: Station on North side of Shepton Mallet The first option is to construct the station to be located on north of Shepton Mallet, and divert the railway line through here. A double bed track will be required to be built in this area.

It would continue the line that comes from Midsomer Norten, close to Mendip Village. This railway line already has a junction on the East Somerset and Dorset line that continues to Castle Clay (indicated as a pink line in Figure 1). A double bed track line here is estimated to cost roughly about £x.xx, because there is already some track beds in place. A railway line here diverts trains around the city. Therefore, there is no need to remove any houses or roads.

However, line does not cover the community of West Shepton well. In order have a railway line that covers all of the Shepton Mallet area, another line can be recommended. This is indicated by the pink line on Image 1. This is the proposed East Somerset and Dorset line that will cross the Shepton Mallet city. It is a cost effective option, as it will use an existing track and pathway.

The junction can serve as a route that will also minimize the freight traffic that uses the existing Somerset and Dorset Line. Moreover, Option 1 might stimulate a much-needed restructuring of the Mendip Vilage station. Option 1 is therefore the most realistic option. Advantages • East Somerset and Dorset existing line and existing Somerset and Dorset lines can be used in order to minimize expenditures. • This station has access to Mendip Village (east of Shepton Mallet) • Station serves people in West Shepton.

Disadvantages • Environmental issues because will need to cut through forested area, downing many trees • It is costly to build a long double track line Option 2: City Centre Option 2 provides a station close to centre of the city. The railway line will come from Midsomer Norton and end up to Castle Cary. This proposed line would be shorter than both the railway line in options 1 and 3.

In spite of this, Option 2 is not a cost efficient option because a large number of houses and roads will need to be destroyed. The station is smaller than option 1 too, because there is not enough space in which to build one. Running a train line through the city would be problematic. This method is not recommended. Advantages • Acceptable location • Railway line is short, thus saving valuable journey time. Disadvantages • High.