Calls for Great Central reopening

The English Regional Transport Association (ERTA) is calling for reopening of the Great Central Main Line, to increase network capacity and provide better transport links to locations that are currently poorly served by public transport.

In its Great Central Dossier, ERTA argues that orbital access from north of London to the South Coast and Channel Tunnel is also needed. The last section of the former Great Central Main Line was closed in 1969.

Should its aim be successful, the group envisages a 125mph route between Calvert and Rugby/Leicester with a loop to serve Buckingham, a link to East West Rail near Claydon, and the potential for ‘piggyback’ freight services.

The first stage of ERTA’s plans involves an assessment of the current state of the formation, with identification of blockages and areas where realignment and new sections are required. New stations would be built at Daventry, Brackley and Buckingham.