Network Rail, which owns and runs Britain’s rail lines, and East Sussex County Council have signed a contract for Network Rail to project manage and undertake the technical aspects of a study into the possibility of reopening the Uckfield to Lewes rail line on behalf of the Central Rail Corridor Board. This follows a successful meeting of the Board held on 9 November 2007, during which Network Rail presented their proposed approach. They also introduced their preferred external consultant, Mott MacDonald, who would assist on specific elements of the study outside Network Rail’s area of expertise.
Board Members approved Network Rail’s proposal that Mott MacDonald, look at the reinstatement of the railway in comparison to other forms of travel such as light rail, buses and walking and cycle connections at stations. The study is anticipated for completion in April 2008.
Councillor Rupert Simmons, the County Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Learning and School Effectiveness and Chairman of the Central Rail Corridor Board said, "This Study will identify, once and for all, whether there is a case for reopening the Lewes-Uckfield Line. Network Rail has a proven track record of managing similar studies at a variety of locations nationwide, and is better placed than anyone else to undertake this type of work. We have come a long way from the idea of reconnecting this line being a mere aspiration to one of a distinct possibility".
For more information see our Lewes–Uckfield rail link information pack.
Notes to editors
Network Rail has a statutory duty to develop and set route strategies on behalf of the whole rail industry.
The Central Rail Corridor Board comprises local MPs (ie Norman Baker and Charles Hendry), councillors and officers from regional and local government organisations, and observers from local town councils and representatives from Wealden and Lewes parish councils.
Partner agencies on the board, together with district, parish and town councils on the route of the proposed reinstatement, have agreed to contribute to the commission estimated to be in the order of £130,000 to £140,000.
Reference:
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