Have your say on the future of the Great Western main line

English Heritage is undertaking the consultation as part of Network Rail's ten year improvement plan, which is due to be completed by 2017 and encompasses the electrification of part of the historic line, including Newbury.
In response to this major infrastructure project, English Heritage, with the support from Network Rail, is consulting on the histories and descriptions of 50 buildings and structures which have been identified as deserving closer attention.
These structures include Rockingham Road Bridge, Newbury, Frouds Lane Bridge, Padworth, and Tilehurst Bridge, Tilehurst.
Following the consultation, English Heritage will recommend to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport which structures should be designated.
Head of Designation at English Heritage, Emily Gee said: "While the whole Great Western Railway is historically remarkable, statutory listing is warranted for its buildings of special architectural or historic interest. After carefully examining the documentary evidence and the structures themselves, it is likely that certain further bridges and other railway buildings will merit listing, and others might be upgraded to better reflect their importance.
“English Heritage is working closely with Network Rail and their professional advisers - and now the public - to fully understand and protect the most special aspects of this significant Victorian railway achievement, to help prepare it for its next exciting phase."
The consultation follows an announcement earlier this month that the Great Western main line is to benefit from a £20m upgrade to its signalling, which Network Rail claims will cut train delays on the line by 50 per cent.
For more on the consultation, visit the English Heritage’s website at www.english-heritage.org.uk
Any responses to the consultation should be received by May 9 and sent to gwmlconsultation@english-heritage.org.uk