Environmental Statement volume 4 - Chiltern Evergreen3

This Annex describes the Options that have been considered in detail by CRCLin developing the current Scheme in terms of the following:strategic decisions regarding the choice of the rail corridor and generalform of the Scheme;route, station and feature options; andoptions for structures/crossings.The strategic options assessment was led by CRCL prior to December 2008,and between January 2009 and May 2009 detailed optioneering was led byCRCL along with Environmental Resources Management (ERM).C1.1 ALTERNATIVE MODES AND RAIL CORRIDORS CONSIDERED BY CHILTERNRAILWAYSDuring development of the Scheme to meet CRCL’s primary aim a number ofalternative transport options were considered including:car park and ride;feeder bus; andguided bus.However, a car park and ride was expected to either increase pressure on carparking and/or discourage passengers who were unwilling or unable to travelto a distant railhead. The feeder bus option was expected to be subject to lowpatronage due to the need to change transport modes and it would experiencelow journey speeds due to traffic congestion on the A34. A guided bus optionwas considered to be expensive and would require cessation of the existingrail freight contracts which would prevent the future restoration of the East-West Rail Link.In 2003 studies were undertaken by CRCL (assisted by Scott Wilson(engineering) and Steer Davies Gleave (demand forecasting)) of alternativerail corridors, to give either:a through rail link between Oxford and the Chiltern Line; oraccess to Oxford via a Parkway railhead.The three main corridors studied are illustrated in Figure C1 and each of theseis discussed below. The studies included engineering assessments, demandand revenue forecasts, and consultation with relevant stakeholders. All of theoptions primarily involved enhancing an existing or former rail corridor.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENTC2CHILTERN RAILWAYS