§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements will be made after privatisation to fund resignalling of the Gospel Oak to Barking line between South Tottenham and Woodgrange Park; and what is the estimated cost for such works.
§ Mr. NorrisInvestment in rail infrastructure is a matter for Railtrack in consultation with the franchising director and train operating companies. This relationship will not be affected by privatisation.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what resignalling, infrastructure repair and improvement works programme for the South Tottenham to Gospel Oak section of the Gospel Oak to Barking line prior to the flotation of Railtrack are planned and authorised by his Department; what arrangements will be made after privatisation to fund such projects where there are economic, social and environmental benefits to the local community; and what is the estimated cost for such planned or projected works.
§ Mr. NorrisI understand that the Barking to Gospel Oak line is being looked at in the context of plans Railtrack is currently developing for the whole of the North London line, in consultation with the train operating company, North London Railways. The signal cabling between South Tottenham and Wanstead Park is currently being replaced and is scheduled for completion by 12 December. Investment in rail infrastructure is a matter for Railtrack in consultation with the franchising director and train operating companies. This relationship will not be affected by privatisation.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the delays to the existing passenger train service caused by the absence of signals between South Tottenham signal box control area and Wanstead Park on the Gospel Oak to Barking line when additional trains are routed over the line; and if the resignalling installation planned between South Tottenham and Woodgrange Park as part of the Liverpool Street resignalling project remains in the resignalling programme currently authorised by his Department.
§ Mr. NorrisThe signal cabling between South Tottenham and Wanstead Park is currently being replaced and this has resulted in trains being delayed by 30 seconds. No other delay assessments have been carried 547W out. No plans currently exist for full resignalling between South Tottenham and Woodgrange Park.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what restrictions exist on the weight or type of train permitted to use the railway between Woodgrange Park and South Tottenham on the Gospel Oak to Barking line or between South Tottenham and Gospel Oak; why such restrictions exist; what remedial works are planned to eliminate such restrictions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisI understand that the route is classified at 90 tonne gross laden weight for four axle bogie vehicles but, due to lack of capacity on six bridges, the classification is reduced to 75 tonnes. Railtrack plans to strengthen or reconstruct these structures over the next four years.