Activity on the Weymouth peninsula will increase next month when Dorset Highways start trial works.
Over three weeks, investigations will take place to explore how the disused railway lines could be removed from the area – with 25m-50m of track being removed to learn how best to complete any future removal.
From 2 March to 20 March, a highways gang will be working on the section of rail in the Pavilion Car Park next to the old station platform on the harbourside.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “There are several sections of rail that present a safety issue and work is ongoing to understand how to reduce the risk for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. We don’t yet know whether this will be through the removal of the lines or by infilling.
“We are working closely with Network Rail, which has decommissioned this branch line so it cannot be used again for transport.”
Network Rail is responsible for the old rail infrastructure, with highways responsible for maintaining the surrounding road.
The exploratory works by the Pavilion will cost around £25,000.
this is short-sighted as the railway line may be needed in the future.the current government has already committed itself to re-open beeching closure lines.
I am overjoyed to read that someone has seen sense about ridding the peninsula of the railway lines, which have been responsible for so many life-changing injuries. I’m one of those accident statistics and know of many more people who have been injured whilst trying to negotiate the roadway on Harbourside. If the rails aren’t removed or in-filled there will be a death for the authority to deal with. It is high time the anachronism is dealt with. I will watch developments with keen interest.
I agree these should have been removed years ago. The tracks are extremely dangerous to cyclists as I know as I have very recently been injured because of them. There are no signs informing cyclists of how dangerous they are or to dismount .
Do not rip up track but convert to tram use as a link from the station to the quay side. Should have done years ago.
That is a brilliant idea..!!?
Sounds a good idea, but they would have to spend to even see if the rails are structurally safe to bare the weight of a tram which will probably more expensive as they would have to check the entire length
More history being eradicated. When will they learn?
Surely infilling is the cheapest option and allows the history to still be visible.
That’s £25 grand that could have been spent on social care, new affordable housing and one or two other greater priorities.
The lines causing accidents maybe to point work which could be removed and plain lined. The rails would certainly be ok for trams which are only a fraction of the weight of coaches and engines which plied down there. a battery trams connecting to the carparks would be a good way to get holidaymakers to the front.