Reason
for the Decision
The rails have been put permanently out of use by
Network Rail. This network change has
been agreed by government. The now
redundant rails are an ongoing safety hazard and maintenance burden to Dorset
Council. Should the scheme not go ahead
within the planned window, there is the risk that Dorset Council will have to
return the grant.
Alternative
Options considered and rejected
Dorset Council has been working with Network Rail
to identify a satisfactory, long term solution to the problem.
Options considered include surfacing over and
infilling. An infilling trial was
undertaken in 2012. Four different
options were tested, but none proved durable.
In addition, infilling only addresses on aspect of the risk (cycle
wheels being caught in the void between the tracks) The slip hazard remains,
and there has been no reduction in the accident rate.
An option for partial removal has been considered
and discounted because although it may remove the risk to cyclists at key
locations, the risk remains elsewhere, and the long-term maintenance issue
would remain unresolved including the presence of wooden sleepers under the
carriage.
Surfacing options have been discounted because they
only provide a temporary solution and leave the long-term maintenance liability
in place.
Do
nothing was ruled out as untenable due to the ongoing risk to safety, the
long-term maintenance issues and the positioning of the rails precludes the
development of an on-road cycle route to be developed separately as part of the
town wide network.
Consultees
External: Network Rail, Weymouth Town Council,
Internal: Local Member, Conservation Officer and
Archaeologist. Engagement with local
members
Budget Implications
£200,000
from the Local Transport Plan budget.
£1.137M from the Department for Transport. £200,000 from Network Rail. (update: Network Rail given an extra £41,319 – total of £241,319)
Notice amended on 21/12/2020
Legal
Implications
The
transfer of ownership of the rails is
underway and will be completed on receipt of documentation from Network Rail,
who are joint funders of the scheme. We have assurances from Network Rail that
they have instructed their legal representatives to effect the transfer and
finance has been authorised.
Reference
Documents
For full information about the rationale behind the
scheme, see our funding bid.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 28/09/2020
Decision due: 28 Oct 2020 by Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment
Lead member: Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment
Lead director: Executive Director, Place
Contact: Kate Tunks, Service Manager for Infrastructure and Assets Email: kate.tunks@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.