Keswick to Penrith Railway Re-opening

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Keswick to Penrith Railway Re-opening


CKP 150 Sunday May 6th - Re-enactment of "cutting the first sod" and other events in Keswick and Threlkeld. See the "CKP 150" page for more details. 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the start of construction of the original Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway (CK&PR). It also marks the 40th anniversary of the closure of the last section between Keswick and Penrith. Starting from the Mayday Bank Holiday weekend, several events are proposed, mainly in Keswick and Threlkeld, to celebrate the Railway's role in the area's history and its place in the local environment. Go to the CKP 150 page A full 10 years worth of Re-opening Project "Updates" are now available to download: Go to the NEWSLETTER (Updates) page ======================================== The Project's supporters have funded all work to date through the purchase of Bonds, by contributions from Update subscriptions, book and DVD sales and commissions from rail ticket sales by supporting businesses. Several welcome donations have also been received. About £400,000 has been invested in surveys, design and environmental work. There are still several technical and administrative tasks to complete before any construction can start. ================================ Not just talking about it ... We are not trying to persuade anyone else that "they" should re-open the Railway - we are doing it ourselves ! We are compiling all the technical, environmental and economic material required to build and operate the Railway as an independent line linked into the National Network. Trains will then be able to run from any part of the UK directly into the Northern Lake District. The line only closed in 1972. Most of the earthworks and bridges are still in place. The stages completed so far are: · Establishing the feasibility (how to rebuild, likely passenger numbers, physical challenges) · Technical surveys – mapping the ground, condition of structures, noting the gaps to fill · Alignment planning – route, gradients, curves, speeds, structures to provide · Scheme description – detailed assessment of all the construction required, works planning · Cost estimates – realistic assessment by professional Railway designers and construction specialists · Environmental impact assessments – ecology, archaeology, visual impact, land and access etc. · Business case – assessing the ratio of benefit values to costs (from 1.1 to over 3.0 is possible) What remains to be done: . · Time sensitive environmental surveys (when ready to apply for legal powers) · Identify funding sources for construction · Outline contractual proposals for construction and operation · Application for a Transport and Works Order (legal powers to operate a public service railway) · Form construction and operational teams / alliances · Fulfil all legal requirements prior to construction · Build the line and get approval to operate · Open the line and let the trains run About this website

This site was launched in 2007, at a stage in the project where much of the technical and study information required to apply for a Transport and Works Order had been assembled or was being progressed. The purpose of this site is to present more information about the reinstatement project and less about the history of the line - which is well documented elsewhere. The result, we hope, is something of a "mini-library" about the Railway reinstatement. This should be of use to anyone with a stake in this project, or seeking inspiration for reopenings elsewhere. The project has continued for several years using only appropriate professionals to carry out the required studies. All work has been done at minimum cost or, in the case of the Directors of CKP Railways plc, completely unpaid. We all believe that this Railway needs to be reinstated and are making whatever efforts are necessary to achieve this result. On other pages you will find out what we are doing, how you can support the Reinstatement project, or simply help spread the word.

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Above: Keswick station in the future - a Virtual Reality model by Corus Rail Infrastructure Services for CKP Railways plc

Below: Possible direct routes to and from Keswick for National Network Train Operators

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The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) published a Business Case report with a positive outcome for the re-opening of this line in 2007.

Keswick Town Council is now "championing" this Project in the public sector.

The project is locally managed to ensure it meets local needs and properly involves the community.

Local skills and knowledge are involved wherever possible.

We believe this is the simplest and most effective way to get this line re-opend economically.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Become an Investor - buy Bonds to help fund the next stages.
Subscribe to Updates (newsletters) - your subscription helps keep the day to day effort going.
Buy books, DVDs, cards etc - a proportion of the sales proceeds goes to the Railway Project.
But rail tickets from Chester-le-Track who pay commission to the Railway Project.
Display a poster.
Write to Councillors or MPs who can help support this Project.

Go to "BONDS" page

More about "UPDATES"

More about books, DVDs etc.

Buying Rail Tickets

Posters etc.

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Please get in touch to offer comments and join our mailing list.

Click here for our contact details