Heathrow Airtrack rail link plans axed
12.04.11
The controversial Airtrack rail link that was set to link Heathrow's Terminal 5 to south west London and west to Reading has been shelved due to a lack of money and the effect of the project on road users at level crossings, the BBC reports. The £675m line would have connected the airport terminal to Reading, Guildford and London Waterloo stations.
A spokesman for BAA told the BBC that its decision to withdraw the rail link application followed concerns raised over level crossings delays. He said: ‘We have been unable to develop solutions which fully address these concerns.' Richmond council had opposed the scheme due to increased congestion it said would occur at barriers at Barnes, Mortlake and North Sheen.
Heathrow's surface access director Allan Gregory said: ‘We've listened to the concerns raised by local residents about the impact of Airtrack and worked hard to try and resolve issues including level crossings. Despite our considerable efforts, including discussions with Network Rail and the local highway authorities, we have been unable to develop solutions which fully address these concerns.’ He added the project was also cancelled due to lack of funds.
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