Bittern Line: Difference between revisions
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The line is double track from Norwich to [[Hoveton and Wroxham railway station|Hoveton and Wroxham]] where the line becomes single track, with a passing loop at North Walsham, and a two platform station at Cromer also allowing passing. |
The line is double track from Norwich to [[Hoveton and Wroxham railway station|Hoveton and Wroxham]] where the line becomes single track, with a passing loop at North Walsham, and a two platform station at Cromer also allowing passing. |
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The line was resignalled |
The line was resignalled in 2000, leading to the closure of a number of mechanical signal boxes with control moving to a panel in the [[Trowse Bridge|Trowse Swing Bridge]] control room, although it is arguable if this is a real improvement since there have been a number of serious failures causing full or partial suspension of service during electrical storms. This is due to the system using microwave links rather than a hard wired system. This saw the end of one of the few remaining sections of single track main line controlled by tokens. |
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The line uses [[British Rail Class 153|Class 153]], [[British Rail Class 156|Class 156]] and [[British Rail Class 170|Class 170]] [[diesel multiple unit]]s. |
The line uses [[British Rail Class 153|Class 153]], [[British Rail Class 156|Class 156]] and [[British Rail Class 170|Class 170]] [[diesel multiple unit]]s. |
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Revision as of 18:38, 18 May 2009
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2008) |
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The Bittern Line is a railway line from Norwich to Cromer and Sheringham[1] in Norfolk, England. It is one of the most scenic in the East of England traversing the Norfolk Broads on its route to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the North Norfolk Coast. The line is named after the bittern, a rare bird found in the reedy wetlands of Norfolk.
History
The line was opened between Norwich and North Walsham in 1874 by the East Norfolk Railway, and it reached Cromer by 1877. The rest of the line, between Cromer and Sheringham, was opened in 1887 using a section of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway line (a further section of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway running from Sheringham to Holt is preserved as the North Norfolk Railway).
The Bittern Line Partnership set up by Norfolk County Council in 1997.
In November 2006 track renewal work begun with whole lengths of the old track have been lifted and new rail and sleepers installed along with new level-crossing points. The work will improve the ride comfort and safety and reduce the noise levels for those living near to the track. The work was carried out by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Network Rail.
The line was designated as a community rail line by the Department for Transport on 28 September 2007.
Passenger numbers are increasing, and has seen a number of service improvements in recent years, including 2 additional trains in the evening (one an hour after the previous last train, and one filling in a 2 hour gap before the last train), and in the next timetable will see the Sunday service improved from 2 hourly to hourly.
Route
The towns and villages served by the route are listed below[2].
- Norwich
- Salhouse
- Hoveton and Wroxham[3]
- Connection with the narrow-gauge Bure Valley heritage railway.
- Worstead
- North Walsham
- Gunton
- Roughton Road (a suburb of Cromer)
- Cromer (reverse)
- West Runton for Beeston Regis
- Sheringham also for Beeston Regis
Details on this page are verified by Norfolk County Council's Community Railways Officer ian.dinmore@norfolk.gov.uk
Services
Passenger services are operated by National Express East Anglia. The line also sees freight services taking gas condensate from a terminal at North Walsham to Harwich and a new service sending spent ballast to North Walsham for onwards sale and disposal. These freight services are operated by GB Railfreight a wholly owned division of First Group.
Infrastructure
The line is double track from Norwich to Hoveton and Wroxham where the line becomes single track, with a passing loop at North Walsham, and a two platform station at Cromer also allowing passing.
The line was resignalled in 2000, leading to the closure of a number of mechanical signal boxes with control moving to a panel in the Trowse Swing Bridge control room, although it is arguable if this is a real improvement since there have been a number of serious failures causing full or partial suspension of service during electrical storms. This is due to the system using microwave links rather than a hard wired system. This saw the end of one of the few remaining sections of single track main line controlled by tokens.
The line uses Class 153, Class 156 and Class 170 diesel multiple units.
The line is not electrified.
Proposed developments
The Sheringham Link
After a time period of 36 years plans are taking shape to link the Bittern line back to the close by North Norfolk Railway.[4] After prolonged discussions between Network Rail, North Norfolk Railway and The Holt, Melton Constable and Fakenham Railway Company, plans have been agreed to the provision of an "occasional use" link between the existing Network Rail station at Sheringham and the North Norfolk Railway's tracks. Although the length of the new link is only a matter of a few yards the agreement represents a major step forward towards the eventual provision of a permanent link and new interchange station facilities. This link would only initially available for special occasional use and for the delivery of rolling stock and occasional rail tour through-working. As of July 2008 the link has gained planning permission and may be rebuilt as early as 2009
References
- ^ OS Explorer Map 252 - Norfolk Coast East. ISBN 978 0 319 23815 8.
- ^ http://www.bitternline.com/images/Final%20Bittern%20Line%20leaflet%2008%20.pdf
- ^ Ordnance Survey (2005). OS Explorer Map OL40 - The Broads. ISBN 0-319-23769-9.
- ^ Press Release December 2007
