Published: Saturday, 22nd November, 2008 08:00
Plane trains 'will slow down road traffic'
By Jonathan Kelly
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A HIGH speed rail link to Heathrow looks set to add to the already heavy congestion on the area’s roads.
Airtrack – a planned link from Reading via Heathrow Airport to Waterloo Station in London – will mean two more trains passing through Wokingham in each direction every hour.
Once completed it should reduce journeys from Wokingham to Heathrow from one hour 25 minutes to just 25 minutes, but will mean that level crossings spend more time closed, causing further delays for motorists.
Keith Baker, Wokingham Borough Council executive member for highways and transport, said: “While we’re fairly supportive of their aims, we do have some quite considerable concerns over the pressure it will put on the level crossings and road network.
“We have strong concerns and we need to have these concerns addressed through whatever means. It is down to Network Rail to provide clarification and solutions to the problems.”
According to a report from the British Airport Authority, the proposals mean that the Barkham Road level crossing will be 'significantly affected because there will be a decrease in the time the barriers are open’.
The crossing at Star Lane will suffer a 10% to 25% decrease in the time it is open during 24 hours to allow cars to cross, and the Waterloo Road crossing will decrease by less than 10%.
A BAA spokesman said: “Effects on local traffic at level crossings along the Airtrack route are being examined. We are actively engaging with the local highway authorities to discuss possible schemes that could improve the efficiency of the local road networks around the crossings.”
Anyone who is concerned about the proposals will have a chance to see the plans for themselves as BAA is holding an exhibition at Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham, on Tuesday, from noon to 8pm, in response to feedback it has received.
See www.heathrowairport.com/airtrack for more information.
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