South West Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy


The South West Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy was the first Route Utilisation Strategy to be produced under the new Network Rail regime. As such it did not completely adhere to the format that has subsequently become 'standard', and needs to be read in conjunction with the prior Draft for Consultation. It was published in May 2006 and was included in a map published by the Office of Rail Regulation as established in May 2007.
For this purpose the South West Main Line covers not only the whole of Network Rail's Route 3 - South West Main Line, but also significant parts of Route 4 - Wessex, specifically Basingstoke to Exeter and routes west of Eastleigh and Redbridge, as well as the Basingstoke to Reading West line of Route 13 - Great Western Main Line.
The major issue is overcrowding in the peak periods, but other issues are addressed.

Specific measures recommended

Measures to tackle overcrowding in the peaks

Short term

Short term

Upgrading the route for freight from Southampton Container Terminal to Reading West to W10 loading gauge, to handle 9' 6" high by 2.5 metre shipping containers; this was passed to the Freight RUS.

Measures to improve services between Salisbury and Exeter in the medium term

Redoubling of selected stretches of this single-track line to provide an hourly service between Exeter and Waterloo and one extra train per hour between Exeter and Axminster