Network Rail explores new Midlands freight route

Much excitement this week along the abandoned section of the former Midland route from Derby to Manchester.

Chaps with theodolites and other ephemera are to be seen examining the old formation between Matlock and Blackwall Mill.

After several unsuccessful attempts to create a business case for reopening the line to passenger traffic (the last by Derbyshire County Council in 2004) it is now Network Rail's turn to have a go.

The new study, undertaken by Laser Rail, will examine whether the route might be suitable for a new W12 gauge freight line; relieving pressure on the overcrowded West Coast Main Line without forcing traffic onto the increasingly busy ECML.

Presumably the quarries at the Buxton end would also welcome a direct route to markets in the South.

Of course this is not such good news for Peak Rail, who are now finding it difficult to get their long promised access to Matlock's currently abandoned platform 2...

UPDATE: This from a Mr Selwood...

Shome mishtake shurely!

Ephemera: something transitory or of no lasting significance

Presumably you mean impedimenta?

The Fact Compiler stands corrected, unless of course this study goes the way of all the rest and is of no lasting significance...